Federal CIO Tapped for Dual-Hatted Role at GSA
•February 19, 2026
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Why It Matters
The dual appointment centralizes federal technology strategy, accelerating digital modernization and commodity‑IT procurement across agencies while ensuring continuity of leadership during a period of extensive restructuring.
Key Takeaways
- •Barbaccia now leads GSA TTS and advises administrator.
- •He retains roles as federal CIO and chief AI officer.
- •TTS oversees Login.gov, FedRAMP, and identity proofing.
- •Shedd shifts to fraud-prevention advisory after major TTS cuts.
- •Move signals push for commodity IT and streamlined federal tech.
Pulse Analysis
Greg Barbaccia’s expanded mandate reflects the administration’s drive to embed a unified technology vision across the federal landscape. By holding the federal CIO, chief AI officer, and service‑delivery lead titles simultaneously, Barbaccia can align artificial‑intelligence initiatives with broader IT modernization goals, reducing siloed decision‑making. This consolidation is expected to streamline procurement processes, prioritize cloud security standards, and foster a more agile response to emerging tech challenges, reinforcing the government’s commitment to efficient, taxpayer‑focused digital services.
The Technology Transformation Services unit, now under Barbaccia’s direct oversight, manages critical platforms such as Login.gov, FedRAMP, and the identity‑proofing framework that underpins secure citizen interactions. These systems are pivotal for safeguarding data while simplifying access to federal resources. Barbaccia’s emphasis on cross‑government collaboration aims to replicate successful models across agencies, driving consistency in security protocols and user experience. His background at Palantir and recent public statements underscore a shift toward commodity‑IT purchases, which could lower costs and accelerate deployment timelines.
Thomas Shedd’s transition to a senior advisor for fraud prevention comes after a period of aggressive downsizing within TTS, including the closure of the 18F consultancy and a 70% staff reduction. This move signals a strategic pivot: while the agency trims its internal workforce, it leans on external expertise and tighter oversight to mitigate risk. The combined leadership changes suggest a broader federal agenda focused on modernizing digital infrastructure, leveraging AI responsibly, and ensuring that technology investments deliver measurable value to both agencies and the American public.
Federal CIO tapped for dual-hatted role at GSA
Federal Chief Information Officer Greg Barbaccia added another role to his growing portfolio Thursday, with an appointment to serve as acting director of the Technology Transformation Services within the General Services Administration and as senior advisor to the administrator.
Thomas Shedd, who had served as GSA’s TTS director and deputy Federal Acquisition Service commissioner since January 2025, will remain with the agency and serve in a new capacity as senior advisor for fraud prevention.
“Greg brings a powerful combination of technology strategy and hands-on execution that will accelerate GSA’s mission to transform how the federal government buys, builds, and delivers digital services,” said GSA Administrator Edward C. Forst. “His leadership will drive smart, secure technology investments that deliver real results for President Donald Trump’s priorities and our stakeholders.”
Barbaccia is no stranger to taking on additional jobs. As federal chief information officer, he oversees the federal government’s use of information technology. However, Barbaccia also holds the title of federal chief AI officer — overseeing the government’s AI efforts — and serves as the federal government’s service delivery lead under the Government Service Delivery Improvement Act.
In his new role, Barbaccia will helm a GSA branch that oversees various government solutions like the government’s identity proofing system, Login.gov, and FedRAMP, a security standards program for cloud products and services. He’ll focus heavily on emerging technologies, improving digital service delivery and cross-government collaboration, and supporting GSA’s expansive mission as a central provider of acquisition, real estate and technology services for federal agencies.
“I want to acknowledge the work TTS has done to modernize how the federal government builds and delivers digital services, making interactions with government simpler, more accessible, and more efficient for the American public,” Barbaccia said. “I’m looking forward to building on that success and deepening partnerships that drive better technology outcomes across agencies. By serving in this dual capacity, we’re ensuring continuity of leadership and a strong focus on delivering value to the taxpayer through smart, mission-aligned technology transformation.”
Barbaccia, who formerly worked at Palantir, recently spoke with Nextgov/FCW about his priorities, including helping build the administration's early career tech program, U.S. Tech Force, and pushing the government to buy commodity IT instead of building in-house.
During his time at GSA, Shedd has overseen layoffs across TTS, including shuttering 18F — a government tech consultancy — and reducing the staff size of his organization by about 70%. In mid-December, the agency backed off of more planned layoffs within the office, which has 312 personnel today, according to GSA.
Shedd also briefly worked as the CIO of the Labor Department for a few months last year, and experts raised questions about ethics and conflicts of interest regarding his employment setup, as he’s on a leave of absence from Tesla while working for the government.
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