Gerald Caron Joins International Trade Administration as CIO

The International Trade Administration has appointed Gerald Caron as chief information officer, a position that had been vacant since January 2022 when then ITA CIO Rona Bunn moved to the private sector.

Caron, a former Potomac Officers Club speaker, held the CIO and assistant inspector general for information technology roles at the Department of Health and Human Services prior to joining ITA. His work at HHS focused on developing zero trust architecture and enhancing data and identity management, among other security-related efforts, GovCIO Media & Research reported.

Caron previously spent 18 years serving the Department of State in various capacities, including as network engineering and design division chief and as director of enterprise network management. During his tenure at the agency, he was involved in addressing cybersecurity risks. 

As ITA’s CIO, Caron is responsible for managing the agency’s IT investments, systems, services and products and overseeing policy, guidance and standard operating procedures. He will also support ITA’s missions focused on enhancing the global competitiveness of the U.S. tech industry through expanding market access and increasing international sales. 

Diane Farrell, ITA’s deputy undersecretary, said Caron’s IT skills and experience working with global teams make him the right fit for the job, which involves collaborating with international trade experts and commercial diplomats located in the United States and other countries.

Caron began his public service career in the Army where he served for seven years.