Neil Dsouza

Neil Dsouza has a strong background in cybersecurity and information technology. Neil currently works as the Chief - Cybersecurity & Senior Authorizing Official at the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) since 2023. Prior to that, they were the Chief Information Security Officer at the United States Capitol Police from 2022 to 2023, where they developed strategic plans and security architecture, consolidated cybersecurity tools, and managed budgetary actions for the Information Security Division. Neil also served as an IT Specialist and Lead Cyber Security Engineer at the U.S. Capitol Police from 2016 to 2023, where they provided management level input for the agency-wide cybersecurity program and served as the acting Chief Information Security Officer during absences. Neil has experience in network operations management as a Deputy Network Operations Manager at General Dynamics from 2014 to 2016. Neil's earlier roles include Supervisory IT Specialist at the United States Capitol Police from 2009 to 2014, Systems Engineer at Northrop Grumman Mission Systems from 2005 to 2009, Network Engineer at Meridian Knowledge Solutions Inc. from 2001 to 2005, and Network Engineer Internship at FCPS in 2001.

Neil Dsouza completed their Bachelor's degree in Computer Networking from Strayer University, from 2002 to 2005. Neil then pursued their Master's degree in Communications Technology from the same university, graduating between 2004 and 2006.

In addition to their academic qualifications, Neil also holds various certifications. In 2003, they obtained the Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer certification from Microsoft. In 2005, they obtained the Cisco Certified Network Associate certification from Cisco Systems. Neil achieved the Sun Certified System Administrator certification from Sun Microsystems in 2007. In 2014, they obtained the Certified Informations Systems Security Professional certification from ISC2. Most recently, in 2019, Neil obtained the Certification for Contracting Officer's Representatives Level I (FAC-COR) from Stafford Consulting Company, Inc. Neil also holds the Palo Alto Networks Certified Network System Administrator certification, which they attained in December 2020 from Palo Alto Networks.