DOD’s Mark Gorak on retaining and developing cyber talent

Mark Gorak, Director of Cyber Academic Engagement and Principal Director for Resources & Analysis at the Department of Defense, outlined five priorities for fiscal year 2025: skills-based hiring, maturing the Cyber Academic Engagement Office, expanding internship programs, enhancing partnerships and retaining and developing the current workforce. Gorak emphasized the importance of skills over credentials and the need to align with Title 5 restrictions. He also views the current administration’s push to reduce the federal workforce as an opportunity to automate tasks, reprioritize missions and improve efficiency.