Paul Nicholson

Executive Director, Coalition Communications

U.S. Indo-Pacific Command [USINDOPACOM]

Mr. Paul A. Nicholson reported as the U.S. INDOPACOM
Executive Director and Deputy Chief Information Officer J6
in September 2022. In his current position, he is the
command’s principal for strategic-level joint and coalition
communications, interoperability, and information sharing for
USINDOPACOM and its diverse US and multilateral
components.

Prior to Joining USINDOPACOM, Mr. Nicholson served for 21 years at the National Security Agency in various Information Assurance and Cybersecurity roles culminating as the Chief
Product Officer (CPO). As CPO, he was responsible for providing strategic transformation for cryptographic solutions across the Federal Government customer base to meet advanced security challenges. Before being appointed CPO, he served as Chief Technology Development for the
Special Operations Forces Acquisition, Technology and Logistics Center (SOF AT&L) where he led the research and development of next-generation technologies for intelligence collection, storage, processing and dissemination. Mr. Nicholson also oversaw the development of solutions used for the certification and accreditation of associated SOF enterprise networks. During his time at the NSA, he served in numerous technical leadership positions to include NSA Senior Liaison Officer to the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA), Multi-National Information Sharing
(MNIS) office, Chief of the Weapon System Security Engineering division, and the Department’s Lead for the NSA Cryptographic Modernization Program.

Mr. Nicholson is a 20-year U.S. Air Force veteran. He holds Master’s Degrees in Industrial Engineering and Strategic Studies and National Security from the Air Force Institute of
Technology and National Defense University respectively. Throughout his career, Mr. Nicholson has received numerous Department of Defense and Civil Service awards as a tribute to his excellent service and dedication to the nation for over 37 consecutive years.Mr. Nicholson is married to Retired U.S. Air Force veteran, CMSgt Kim Nicholson and they have 4 children.

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