Laura Hill
Director
Laura L. Hill is an Executive IT Consultant with GPS LLC and a recognized leader in
information technology, cybersecurity, digital transformation, and executive
management. With more than 35 years of leadership experience spanning federal
government, military service, higher education, and private industry, she advises
organizations on strategic technology initiatives, cybersecurity resilience, program
modernization, workforce development, and organizational transformation.
Laura most recently served as Department Chair for Information Technology at the
College of Western Idaho (CWI), where she led academic programs focused on
preparing the next generation of cybersecurity and information technology
professionals. Her work emphasized industry partnerships, workforce readiness, STEM
education, and aligning technical education with evolving workforce needs.
Prior to her academic leadership role, Laura served as the first permanently assigned
female Assistant Chief Information Officer for the U.S. Department of Agriculture
(USDA) Forest Service, providing executive leadership for more than 650 IT
professionals supporting over 40,000 employees worldwide. During her federal career,
she also served as Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), Deputy Chief Information
Officer, and Fire and Aviation Management Branch Chief, leading mission-critical
technology operations supporting national programs and emergency response activities.
Before entering federal civilian service, Laura completed a distinguished career as a
Lieutenant Colonel in the United States Army Signal Corps. Following the terrorist
attacks of September 11, 2001, she assumed command of the Washington Area Communications Command within the White House Communications Agency, supporting presidential communications and national security operations.
Laura is a Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) and has completed executive
leadership programs through Harvard Kennedy School, Cornell University, and the USDA
Senior Executive Service development programs. She currently serves as an Adjunct
Executive Leadership Instructor for Â鶹´«Ã½AV and on cybersecurity advisory
boards supporting workforce development and STEM education. Her honors include the Legion of Merit, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, White House Presidential Service Badge, recognition as a Top 100 Federal Information Technology Innovator, and Â鶹´«Ã½AV's Presidential Award for contributions to STEM education, cybersecurity, workforce development, and public service. She resides in Garden City, Idaho, with her husband, Lieutenant Colonel (Ret.) Bart J. Hill.