Jennifer Freese

Transformational Chief Information Officer and senior federal technology executive with more than 15 years of progressive leadership driving enterprise IT strategy, digital transformation, cybersecurity, modernization, and organizational performance across the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and the federal civilian sector. Recognized for aligning technology investments to mission outcomes, strengthening enterprise governance, and delivering secure, resilient, customer-focused solutions that improve operational effectiveness and public service delivery. Executive leader accountable for enterprise organizations supporting more than 20,000 customers nationwide, directing up to 89 federal employees across multiple operational divisions, managing annual operating budgets exceeding $25 million, and overseeing enterprise technology portfolios of more than 30,000 assets in highly regulated, mission-critical environments.

Proven record of leading enterprise transformation through modernization of IT operations, strengthening cybersecurity and governance, improving service delivery performance, and building high-performing, accountable organizations. Trusted advisor to senior executives with deep expertise in strategic planning, capital investment decision-making, workforce development, acquisition strategy, risk management, and cross-agency collaboration. Recognized across federal service for delivering measurable organizational results, leading large-scale operational change, fostering innovation, developing future leaders, and building strategic partnerships across government.

Selected for the VA/HHS Senior Executive Service Candidate Development Program based on sustained executive leadership, strategic vision, business acumen, organizational transformation, and commitment to public service.

Solutions Architect (Contract) - Leidos, Office of the Chief Technical Officer, Federal Civilian IT Division

(2025-06)

• Lead enterprise technology strategy development for federal civilian agencies by aligning mission requirements, enterprise architecture, cybersecurity, acquisition planning, and emerging technologies into secure, scalable, and policy-compliant solutions.
• Direct the Social Security Administration Innovation Laboratory, guiding multidisciplinary teams delivering proof-of-concept initiatives that accelerate digital transformation, enterprise modernization, and mission outcomes.
• Serve as senior proposal subject matter expert for HHS and Operating Division pursuits, applying executive federal leadership experience and FAC-P/PM Level III certification to shape acquisition strategy, strengthen technical solutions, and support executive-level decision-making.
• Advise senior executives on modernization strategy, cloud adoption, artificial intelligence, automation, cybersecurity, and enterprise architecture to improve mission performance, operational efficiency, and long-term technology investment outcomes.

Deputy Executive Director - Department of Health & Human Services (HHS), Office of IT Operations

(2024-07 - 2025-09)

• Led enterprise IT operations through four GS-15 Directors overseeing 89 federal employees across six nationwide operational divisions delivering infrastructure, applications, cybersecurity, mobility, networking, and end-user services supporting more than 20,000 customers.
• Directed enterprise operational strategy, governance, workforce performance, and resource allocation to ensure secure, resilient, and mission-aligned IT service delivery across HHS Operating Divisions.
• Provided executive oversight of more than 30,000 enterprise IT assets, strengthening lifecycle management, audit readiness, fiscal accountability, operational governance, and compliance with federal IT and cybersecurity policies.
• Served in an Acting Executive Director capacity, providing enterprise leadership, strategic decision-making, and continuity of operations during SES leadership absences to ensure uninterrupted mission execution.
• Selected to serve on the 2024 HHS Presidential Transition Team, leading enterprise IT continuity planning, organizational readiness, and executive coordination during a high-visibility federal transition.
• Chaired executive hiring panels and led workforce planning, succession management, leadership development, and diversity initiatives to strengthen long-term organizational capability and leadership continuity.
• Partnered across Operating Divisions and executive leadership to resolve enterprise challenges, strengthen governance, and advance department-wide modernization initiatives.

Chief Information Officer - National Institute of Health (NIH), Office of the Director, Office of Information and Information Technology

(2019-11 - 2024-07)

• Served as Chief Information Officer with executive responsibility for enterprise IT strategy, cybersecurity, infrastructure, customer experience, digital modernization, and IT operations supporting more than 5,000 users, a blended federal/contractor workforce, and a $25 million annual operating budget.
• Led enterprise organizational transformation by elevating the IT Branch into a Division, establishing an Applications Development Branch, consolidating enterprise support services, strengthening governance, and implementing a scalable operating model recognized as an NIH benchmark for operational excellence.
• Directed enterprise modernization initiatives implementing Jira and Nuvolo platforms, improving IT service management, operational efficiency, workflow automation, governance, and customer experience across the organization.
• Strengthened executive governance and acquisition oversight by identifying and resolving high-risk technical and contractual issues within a major enterprise IT contract, protecting federal investments and ensuring mission continuity.
• Developed and executed strategic IT roadmaps aligned with NIH mission priorities, integrating cybersecurity, innovation, workforce development, and long-term technology investment strategies to improve organizational resilience and performance.
• Built and sustained a high-performing organization by developing future leaders, strengthening workforce engagement, improving accountability, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence.
• Earned the highest annual performance rating for five consecutive years (2019–2023), receiving multiple NIH Office of the Director Performance Awards and performance-based recognition for sustained executive leadership and mission impact.
• Recognized as a 2025 Capital ORBIE Enterprise CIO Award Finalist, ranked among the Washington, DC metropolitan area's Top Five Enterprise CIOs for executive leadership, innovation, and organizational transformation.

Candidate - Doctor of Healthcare Administration - North Central University, San Diego, CA

Master of Science - Health Administration Informatics - University of Maryland Global Campus (2013-12)

Master of Arts - Business Administration - University of Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ (2005-01)

Bachelor of Arts - Family Services - University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, IA (1996-05)