---
title: Former Navy CTO and DHS Cyber Leader Don Yeske Joins Virtru to Accelerate Federal Practice
description: Don Yeske is the newest federal cyber leader to join Virtru.
image: https://www.virtru.com/hubfs/25-DonYeske%20PR-LI%20(1).jpg
---

September 03, 2025

# Former Navy CTO and DHS Cyber Leader Don Yeske Joins Virtru to Accelerate Federal Practice

![Editorial Team](https://www.virtru.com/hubfs/assets/images/logos/virtru/logomark/blue/virtru_LOGOMARKMASTER_BLUE_FINAL.svg)

By Editorial Team

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![{ content.featured_image.alt }}](https://www.virtru.com/hubfs/25-DonYeske%20PR-LI%20(1).jpg)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – September 3, 2025 – Virtru, the leader in data-centric security, today announced that Don Yeske has joined the company as Senior Solutions Architect & Enablement Lead. Yeske brings invaluable expertise from his leadership roles at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Department of the Navy, where he spearheaded critical Zero Trust security initiatives and modernization efforts.

In his new role, Yeske will leverage his extensive public sector experience to accelerate growth within Virtru's federal practice, helping agencies implement robust data-centric security solutions to protect sensitive information across on-premises, cloud-native, and AI-driven workflows.

Most recently, Yeske served as Director of the National Security Cyber Division (NSCD) in the DHS Office of the Chief Information Security Officer, where he was responsible for governance of National Security Systems across the DHS enterprise and leadership of Zero Trust implementation. Prior to DHS, he held senior roles in the Department of the Navy, including serving as Chief Technology Officer. His career also includes leadership positions at Headquarters Marine Corps, where he orchestrated the modernization of the Marine Corps Enterprise Network.

"It’s incredibly exciting to join Virtru at such a pivotal moment for data security in the federal sector," said Yeske. "I know from first-hand experience that the data pillar is the most complex part of Zero Trust. There’s immense opportunity for organizations to embrace the ‘Protect Surface,’ not just the ‘Attack Surface.’ The fact that Virtru is innovating in this space with OpenTDF and tackling the most difficult architectural challenges aligns perfectly with ideas and principles that I’ve worked hard to establish across the Federal government.”

The appointment comes as Virtru continues to experience significant momentum. The company recently closed a $50 million [Series D funding round ](https://www.virtru.com/newsroom/virtru-secures-50-million-in-new-funding-to-accelerate-the-future-of-data-centric-security-for-the-ai-era)led by ICONIQ, with participation from Bessemer Venture Partners, Foundry, and The Chertoff Group, doubling its valuation to $500 million.

"We’re thrilled to have Don joining our team and view his hiring as a significant step forward in our commitment to serving the federal market," said John Ackerly, CEO and Co-Founder of Virtru. "His proven expertise in Zero Trust implementation and his track record of leading large-scale security transformations makes him uniquely qualified to help federal agencies securely collaborate and develop data-centric frameworks for sensitive information.” 

Virtru continues to [attract high-level public sector executive talent](https://www.virtru.com/resource/hash-it-out-federal-cyber-leaders-at-virtru?hsLang=en), also hiring former [FBI CTO Wayne Chung ](https://www.virtru.com/newsroom/virtru-names-wayne-chung-as-cto-to-drive-next-phase-of-innovation-and-growth)as Chief Technology Officer earlier this year. 

 

**About Virtru**

Virtru empowers organizations to unlock the power of data while maintaining control wherever it's stored and shared. From global enterprises to national defense and intelligence agencies, Virtru provides simple, powerful solutions for data-centric security, underpinned by the Trusted Data Format (TDF). Learn more at virtru.com.

 

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Nick Michael

[nick.michael@virtru.com](mailto:nick.michael@virtru.com)

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