White House Selected Carter Farmer as Federal CIO
Carter Farmer will transition from his current role at the EPA to lead federal information technology efforts.
Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in People
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The White House has appointed Carter Farmer as the new federal chief information officer. Farmer, who has served as the EPA chief information officer since May 2025, will now lead federal IT strategy.
Why it matters
The appointment fills the vacancy created by the departure of Greg Barbaccia, who left the position in August 2026 to return to the private sector.
Carter Farmer has been with the EPA since May 2025 and joined the Technology Modernization Fund Board as a voting member in August 2026.
The players
Carter Farmer
He is the incoming federal chief information officer who previously served as the chief information officer for the Environmental Protection Agency.
Greg Barbaccia
He is the former federal chief information officer who stepped down from his post in August 2026 to return to Palantir.
Environmental Protection Agency
This is the federal agency responsible for overseeing environmental health in the United States and is currently seeking a new chief information officer.
Technology Modernization Fund Board
This body oversees the investment of federal funds into technology projects designed to improve public service delivery and security.
The details
Farmer will move into the federal CIO role while maintaining a permanent position on the Technology Modernization Fund Board. Meanwhile, the Environmental Protection Agency has initiated the search for his successor, posting the open vacancy on USAJobs.gov on September 28, 2026.
Timeline
May 2025: Carter Farmer began his tenure at the EPA.
August 2026: Greg Barbaccia vacated the federal CIO office.
August 2026: Carter Farmer became a voting member of the Technology Modernization Fund Board.
September 28, 2026: The EPA listed the open CIO position on USAJobs.gov.
Market Landscape
The transition reflects broader efforts to consolidate federal IT leadership through appointments linked to the Technology Modernization Fund Board. This move positions the administration to prioritize centralized tech oversight following Greg Barbaccia’s return to the private sector.
The appointment impacts federal government digital operations and long-term IT procurement strategies. Readers can expect continued oversight of agency technology standards as the new CIO assumes control of federal infrastructure projects.
The takeaway
The appointment of a current agency CIO to the federal level highlights the government's focus on internal talent cultivation for technical roles. This strategy aims to ensure continuity as agencies navigate complex digital modernization requirements.
Further reading
For more updates on federal leadership changes, visit the People section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by FedScoop.
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