Lt. Gen. Joe Hartman, U.S. Army (Ret.)
Former Acting Commander of U.S. Cyber Command and Acting Director of the National Security Agency
Lt. Gen. Joe Hartman, U.S. Army (Ret.), retired following 37 years of military service culminating as Acting Commander of U.S. Cyber Command and Acting Director of the National Security Agency. In those roles, he worked with senior leaders across the U.S. government, Department of Defense, Intelligence Community, allied partners and industry in the conduct of global cyber and intelligence operations. He also contributed to the development of national security policy and the advancement of cyber, intelligence and emerging technology capabilities supporting U.S. national security interests.
During his military career, Hartman held senior leadership assignments across cyber operations, intelligence, special operations and strategic planning organizations. He also served as Deputy Commander of U.S. Cyber Command and Commander of the Cyber National Mission Force. Additional senior assignments included service within U.S. Army Cyber Command, the U.S. Army Intelligence and Security Command and the Joint Special Operations Command. In his final assignments, Hartman helped lead a combined workforce of approximately 80,000 personnel across NSA and U.S. Cyber Command, overseeing worldwide cyber operations, intelligence activities and strategic partnerships.
Commissioned through the ROTC program at the University of South Alabama, Hartman built a career focused on integrating advanced technologies and operational capabilities to address evolving national security challenges. Hartman holds a master’s degree in military strategy and operational art; he is a graduate of the School of Advanced Military Studies and a former Central Intelligence Agency fellow. He also completed executive education and certificate programs in national security, artificial intelligence, data and emerging technology strategy at Harvard University and Johns Hopkins University. LTG Hartman is a Distinguished Member of the 75th Ranger Regiment and recipient of the George Washington Spymaster Award.
Following his retirement from military service in 2026, Hartman continues to support initiatives advancing national security innovation, emerging technologies and public-private collaboration.
Hartman serves on the Strategic Advisory Board of the McCrary Institute at Auburn University, where he contributes expertise in cybersecurity, intelligence, emerging technologies and national defense strategy.