DIR Announces Retirement of Chief Information Security Officer Nancy Rainosek

AUSTIN-The Texas Department of Information Resources (DIR) today announces the retirement of State Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) Nancy Rainosek. Deputy CISO and the State Cybersecurity Coordinator Tony Sauerhoff has been named as Rainosek's replacement.

Rainosek-who joined DIR in 2013 and became CISO in 2017-has been instrumental in developing the state's cybersecurity program and establishing security protocols for state agencies to protect Texans' data and the state's technology infrastructure. Rainosek provided critical leadership in the state's response to the August 2019 ransomware attack that affected 23 local government entities in Texas. She also oversaw the implementation of initiatives such as the Regional Security Operations Centers, the Texas Information Sharing and Analysis Organization, and the Statewide Portal for Enterprise Cybersecurity Threat, Risk, and Incident Management. Rainosek's numerous accolades include receiving the prestigious Thomas M. Jarrett State Cybersecurity Leadership Award; being named one of Government Technology's Doers, Dreamers, and Drivers; and serving on the Executive Committee of the Multi-State Information Sharing and Analysis Center. Rainosek's career in various technology industries spans more than four decades in both state government and the private sector.

"Nancy Rainosek is a celebrity in the state government cybersecurity community. She has established an incredible legacy as a public servant dedicated to the security of the state of Texas as well as mentoring and supporting her team," said DIR's Executive Director and State of Texas Chief Information Officer Amanda Crawford. "Both DIR and the state of Texas will continue to benefit from Nancy's time as Chief Information Security Officer for years to come."

Rainosek will serve as DIR's Executive Cybersecurity Strategist until her retirement in December.

"It has been such an honor to serve DIR and the state of Texas as Chief Information Security Officer for almost eight years," said Rainosek. "Though I am stepping down from the role, I know that I put together a strong team that will continue to improve the security maturity of the state of Texas and keep making me proud."

Sauerhoff takes over as CISO immediately. He brings more than 30 years of experience in IT and cybersecurity and served in leadership positions with the federal judiciary and the U.S. Department
of Defense before joining DIR in 2022.