Executive Committee

Dr. Mahnaz Dean joined HHS Office of CIO/ Office of CDO in April 2022 as Deputy CDO and served in that role through December 2023 when she took over as Acting CDO.

Prior to coming back to HHS, Mahnaz transformed the National Institutes of Health’s (NIH) 24x7 operation organization within the Center for Information Technology’s (CIT) by leveraging best practices and focusing on improving customer services. Mahnaz developed a strategic direction by improving customer service and service delivery and future workforce.

Prior to joining NIH/CIT, Mahnaz served as the deputy chief operating officer, within the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (ASPR) Office of the Chief Operating Officer (COO). Mahnaz was responsible for all of functions and services delivered by COO team, such as working closely with both the HHS Executive Secretariat and the HHS Office of Legislative Affairs, Human Resources, Workforce Management, Employee Development. In addition, she worked with support services such as Facilities planning, Information Technology, Records Management, as well as routine and emergency travel to support Public Health and Medical Preparedness, Response and Recovery.

Prior to joining the Department of Health and Human Services, Mahnaz served as the Telecommunication Operation Branch Chief for the National Weather Service within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, part of the Department of the Commerce. Mahnaz was responsible for security, data delivery, data management and 24x7 operations of national and international weather services, including identifying new technologies, developing strategies and processes to improve operations, services and customer relations.

Previously, Mahnaz was the senior director of information security for Freddie Mac and responsible for operation and technical IT security support, as well as the strategic view, implementation, and technical guidance for new initiatives to improve the operation. She also has served as an executive for IBM Global Services, overseeing global strategic direction, management, delivery, investment and development of new ideas, assets, solutions, and client satisfaction for the security, privacy, wireless, emerging technology within public and private sectors.

Before joining IBM in November 2000, Mahnaz served the Office of the Department of the Navy Chief Information Officer and taught at American Military University. She holds a masters and doctorate in public policy and information technology from the University of Southern California and a Master of Engineering in Robotics and Computer Vision from Cornell University. She has authored multiple publications on information technology and is the recipient of the Secretary of the Navy Meritorious Civilian Service Medal and the President’s Council on Year 2000 Conversion Medal.