NSA alum returns to agency to serve as deputy director

Tim Kosiba became the number two leader in the National Security Agency after a prior deputy pick was jettisoned following criticism from far-right activist Laura Loomer.

The National Security Agency has officially named its deputy director amid months of ongoing leadership vacuums and staff turnover. 

Tim Kosiba was approved by top officials to serve as the civilian lead at NSA, according to a Friday announcement. In the role, he is charged with directing operations, managing civilian leadership, setting policy and overseeing the execution of the agency’s strategy.

Kosiba, who held prior roles at NSA and the FBI, was being vetted throughout last month, a person familiar with the matter told Nextgov/FCW. Initially, Joe Francescon, who served on the National Security Council in President Donald Trump’s first term, was set to be named to the position.

But far-right activist Laura Loomer, whose past influence over NSA leadership picks ...