Labor Department Appoints New Deputy CIO for IT Operations
Contractors and agency vendors should note the leadership shift overseeing the department’s IT services and governance.
Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in People
The Department of Labor has appointed May Cheng as deputy chief information officer for operations and governance to oversee its IT services and business management. This leadership shift comes as the agency moves to strengthen its technology modernization and cybersecurity posture.
Why it matters
The appointment signals a departmental focus on refining its IT governance and investment management. For operators navigating federal contracting or digital compliance, these leadership moves clarify the officials tasked with overseeing the agency's internal technology portfolios.
May Cheng now oversees an annual IT capital investment portfolio of $30 million. Her responsibilities cover the department's core administrative and business management technology functions.
The players
May Cheng
The new deputy CIO at the Department of Labor who previously held IT leadership roles at the International Trade Administration and the Office of Personnel Management.
Dennis Papula
The new deputy CIO for mission support at the Department of Labor.
Mangala Kuppa
The Chief Information Officer for the Department of Labor.
The details
In her new role, Cheng is responsible for the administration and service management of the Department of Labor's IT portfolios. She brings experience from her previous leadership positions at the International Trade Administration and the Office of Personnel Management, where she managed IT investment strategies. These moves are part of a broader push to align the agency's governance structures with ongoing cybersecurity and modernization requirements.
Timeline
September 6, 2026: Dennis Papula joined the Department of Labor as deputy CIO for mission support.
October 4, 2026: May Cheng began her role as deputy CIO for operations and governance at the Department of Labor.
October 29, 2026: DOL CIO Mangala Kuppa will attend the FedCiv Summit to discuss federal civilian IT priorities.
Market Landscape
This leadership adjustment aligns with wider federal efforts to improve internal IT governance and service delivery. These moves echo priorities slated for discussion at the 2026 FedCiv Summit regarding the direction of federal civilian technology investments.
Contractors and vendors working with the Department of Labor should note the new leadership oversight for IT operations and investment portfolios. Review your active program governance and project roadmaps to ensure alignment with the department's evolving management directives.
The takeaway
Operators should monitor the shifting oversight at the agency's Office of the Chief Information Officer to understand potential changes in procurement or compliance requirements. Track the upcoming FedCiv Summit remarks from CIO Mangala Kuppa for further insight into the agency's shifting IT agenda.
What happens next
DOL CIO Mangala Kuppa is scheduled to present at the 2026 FedCiv Summit on October 29, 2026, where further details on federal IT priorities are expected.
Further reading
For broader insight into agency staffing trends, visit our People section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Executive Gov.
