The Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) is under new leadership, at least temporarily. Starting July 20, 2024, Vanessa Lloyd will serve as the interim Director of CSIS, a position she will hold for six months or until a permanent director is named. This announcement was made by the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, who oversees Public Safety, Democratic Institutions, and Intergovernmental Affairs. 

“Ms. Lloyd has demonstrated a remarkable commitment to protecting Canada, Canadians and our interests over her 26-year career at the Canadian Security Intelligence Service. Building on her extensive experience, as well as the tireless work of the outgoing Director, I have every confidence that she has what it takes to steer the work of this pivotal organization over the course of her term,” said the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions and Intergovernmental Affairs. 

Vanessa Lloyd brings over a decade of experience in enhancing CSIS’s operational capacity, fostering innovation, transparency, and adherence to protocols within the agency’s operations. 

Lloyd’s journey with CSIS began in 1998 when she joined as an intelligence officer. She has since taken on various roles, including becoming CSIS’s inaugural Chief Transformation Officer, where she spearheaded initiatives to modernize the agency. Most recently, she served as the Deputy Director of Operations, where she managed critical functions such as human intelligence gathering, threat analysis, security screening, and threat mitigation. 

Her appointment as interim director reflects her extensive experience and commitment to the evolving needs of national security.