Chris Smith serves as the Chief Information Officer for USDA with executive leadership responsibility for all USDA Information Technology Investments, Operations and Management. Mr. Smith provides leadership for USDA’s IT Architecture, IT Policy, Cyber Security Operations and the Department’s operational portfolio including Network, Enterprise Data Centers, International Technology Services, and Innovations group.

Mr. Smith joined OCIO in January 2008 and served as Associate Chief Information Officer for Integration and Operations and Deputy Chief Information Officer position to coordinate the efforts of OCIO operations: National Information Technology Center, Telecommunications Services and Operations, and International Technology Services. Before joining the OCIO leadership team Mr. Smith served USDA as Chief Information Officer for Rural Development where he provided leadership and executive strategic direction for the Rural Development IT portfolio supporting more than $96 billion in active loans and grants.

Prior to joining Rural Development, Mr. Smith served as the IT Director to the Chief Financial Officer of the United States General Services Administration. In this position, he led shared services IT operations and operated one of four named Financial Management Lines of Business Centers of Excellence and one of four named ePayroll operations within the Federal Government. Additionally, Mr. Smith is a Reserve Air Force Communications Officer who has led multiple tactical communications missions around the globe.

Chris Smith was born and raised in Northern Virginia where he currently resides with his wife and two children. He received his Bachelor of Arts Degree in International Studies and his Master of Public Administration Degree from the University of South Florida. Additionally, Mr. Smith holds a Master of Science Degree in Management Information Systems from George Washington University.

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