(U) MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR: FORWARD, CORE MISSION FOCUS

• Document Type: FOIA
• Collection: FOIA Collection
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): 06865805
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: U
• Document Page Count: 3
• Document Creation Date: January 30, 2024
• Document Release Date: October 16, 2023
• Case Number: F-2018-00585
• Publication Date: April 18, 2017

Message from the Director: Forward, Core Mission Focus
Approved for Release: 2023/10/13 C06865805
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(U) Message from the Director: Forward, Core
Mission Focus
GONF4PIENLT-1,4644,143POPrN
(U) It's been nearly three months since I arrived at CIA, and I told you on the first day that I had some listening to do
before I could offer direction on the way forward for our Agency. I've since had the great pleasure of talking to many of
you � and not a team of consultants � and learning a lot about how CIA works. I would like to share some early
observations and initiatives concerning our leadership, organization, and mission priorities that I am discussing at a
Director's Board offsite with my senior leadership team.
(U) Leadership. During our review, I heard a lot of good things about the leaders themselves, but I have also heard of a
number of frustrations about the lack of a clear chain of command within our organizational matrix. To address this, we
have clarified decision rights within the matrix. I've also laid out my basic expectations for those who lead our Agency.
My principles are:
� (U) Push decisions down to the lowest practical level. Trust subordinates to take the initiative and hold them
accountable.
� (U) Similarly, try to resolve conflict at the lowest level before raising issues to senior management.
� (U) Ensure that all stakeholders are aware of issues brought to the senior leadership team.
� (U) Consult and collaborate across the matrix. Invest in understanding other perspectives so that you can make
informed decisions.
� (U) And finally, always foster continuous improvement within your group.
(U) Organization. I have seen how our Mission Centers integrate our capabilities, resulting in more powerful analysis
and operations. That said, we should always be looking for ways to improve how we carry out our work, so we are
going to make some adjustments to boost CIA's agility and effectiveness.
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Approved for Release: 2023/10/13 C06865805
Message from the Director: Forward, Core Mission Focus
Approved for Release: 2023/10/13 C06865805
� (U) First, as any Director should, I will concentrate on strategic priorities, our core mission and external (b)(3)
engagement
� (U) Second, as Deputy Director, Gina will focus her energies to ensure that our collection, covert action, and
analysis are as strong as possible, working most closely with the DO, DA, and Mission Centers.
� (U) Finally, the EXDIR will become the Chief Operating Officer (C00). The COO will focus on the business
elements of our mission and drive excellence within S&T, Digital Innovation, Support, Talent, and other
enterprise functions. The COO position will still be the number-three officer at CIA, but will be even more
empowered to drive accountability and perfoi mance management in partnership with Gina and me.
� (U) This means that our organizational structure is roughly the same, with a few changed reporting lines to
reflect how the Deputy Director, the COO, and I intend to lead the Agency.
(U) Mission Priorities. CIA is, of course, dedicated to providing global coverage for the President and all our
customers. But clear priorities must be set, and those of our Agency should come as no surprise
We are developing a way forward with
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initiatives to attack the gaps we face in addressing these priorities.
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� (C//NF) Based on the priorities that I am hearing at the White House every day, I have determined that we must
create a Korea Mission Center. I expect it to be up and running by EMay, with all our Directorates and Mission
Centers contributing the required talent and resources. I am very pleased to announce that will be
our new Assistant Director for Korea.
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(U) As I said, these are early observations and initiatives. Our leadership team will continue to look for ways to refine
how our Agency carries out its vital work, and I want you to contribute your ideas and perspectives all along the way
either by telling me directly at a Meet with Mike session, or through the senior leadership staff or other means. These
have been the most fascinating and exhilarating three months of my life, and I want to thank you all for your hard work
and outstanding support.
Mike
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Approved for Release: 2023/10/13 C06865805
Message from the Director: Forward, Core Mission Focus
Approved for Release: 2023/10/13 C06865805
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Approved for Release: 2023/10/13 C06865805