DOE Deputy CIO Don Adcock departs for private sector

Don Adcock, the Energy Department’s deputy CIO, has left his position for a private sector job, FedScoop has learned.

According to sources, Adcock will join Vienna, Virginia-based ActioNet Inc., an IT security and software development firm, working out of the company’s Hawaii-based offices.

Adcock’s last day at the Energy Department was April 17. Prior to his departure, Adcock sent a departmentwide note saying the timing of his departure was perfect, and he considers his three years spent at Energy an “honor and a privilege.”

“The last year has been full of many accomplishments and it is a convenient point to turn over those accomplishments, and all the exciting work that lies ahead, to an extremely capable team and our new CIO,” Adcock wrote in an email obtained by FedScoop.

Energy appointed Michael Johnson as the department’s CIO in March, becoming the first politically appointed CIO in the department’s history. Adcock served as acting CIO from September, when Bob Brese left for the private sector, until Johnson’s appointment.

During his time at Energy, Adcock led key initiatives in open data, cloud computing and energy efficient IT operational strategies. FedScoop spoke to Adcock in November, where he said IT is at a pivotal innovation point within the federal government.

“There was a time where the CIO had a value to sitting at the table and was a key part of the CXO framework, but over time they became the guy that you would reach over to during a staff meeting and go ‘My BlackBerry’s not working,'” Adcock said. “It’s time we get back to the table and show them that we understand the mission and use tools like this to show them how we can drive change and innovation.”

Federal News Radio was the first to report on Adcock’s departure. Read his full note below:

OCIO Teammates,

After three years at the Department of Energy, and 17 1/2 years as a civil servant, I have decided to move on to an exciting new challenge in the private sector. The timing, in my opinion, is perfect. The last year has been full of many accomplishments and it is a convenient point to turn over those accomplishments, and all the exciting work that lies ahead, to an extremely capable team and our new CIO. Looking back over the last three years there is a solid list of OCIO accomplishments that clearly shows the quality of our professionals and our joint commitment to making DOE better each and every day.

My last day will be Friday, April 17th. The White House and Secretary have chosen a very capable CIO to lead the Department forward. I know you will continue to show the same unwavering support to Michael that you have shown to me.

I will miss working with each of you. It has been an honor and a privilege to have been part of this great organization and to have had a hand in all the improvements we have made. I can’t think of a better way to cap off more than 17 years of combined military and federal service than to have spent the last three of them with you.

With heartfelt thanks,
Don