Candace S. Lyons

Chief Operating Officer, Defense Technology Security Administration

Ms. Candace Lyons is currently serving as Chief Operating Officer in the Defense Technology Security Administration (DTSA). In this capacity, she delivers enterprise-wide, performance-driven services and exceptional customer experiences for DTSA executives, staff and stakeholders of DTSA products and services. Ms. Lyons enables critical operations by leading a staff in developing, issuing, and implementing financial operations, information technology and human capital policies, regulations, and other guidance for DTSA in accordance with DoD and the U.S. inter-agency (Departments of State, Commerce, Energy, Treasury and Defense) that impacts foreign-partner governments, the U.S. and foreign defense industrial base, and over $100 billion in U.S. technology sales on a continuing basis.

Prior to her current assignment, Ms. Lyons served as the Special Assistant to the Director and the Chief, Strategy and Communication in DTSA. She directed, integrated, and managed high visibility strategic efforts for major contemporary, emerging, and futuristic issues confronting the organization. She also overseen executive programs such as congressional affairs, public affairs, risk management and internal controls, compliance audits, and correspondence management. From 2012-2019, Ms. Lyons worked as the Management Services Specialist within DTSA. In this capacity, she developed and implemented human capital strategies to obtain, retain, and develop top talent. This included advising senior leaders on hiring strategies, performance management, and developing creative solutions in restructuring positions to maximize talent during the organization’s transformation. From 2010-2012, she served as a key member of the Command Group in the Army Cyber Command. As an advisor to the Commanding General, Ms. Lyons was instrumental in establishing new procedures and standard operating procedures for the organization. She was the primary liaison between the Headquarters staff and Major Subordinate Elements. From 2007-2010, Ms. Lyons worked as the Executive Assistant in the Office of the Garrison Commander on Fort Belvoir, Virginia. She directly supported the Garrison Commander and Deputy to the Commander in a variety of administrative operations. She coordinated and supported several distinguished visits to include hosting the Vice President of the United States, Chairman of the Joint Chief of Staff, Director of Homeland Defense, and the Secretary of the Army.

Ms. Lyons has a bachelor’s degree in Organizational Management with a Specialization in Human Resource Management.

Candace S. Lyons

Chief Operating Officer, Defense Technology Security Administration