UPDATED: With DNI Clapper’s Comments

WASHINGTON: Robert Cardillo, the man who has organized President Obama’s daily intelligence briefing and brought the first tablet to the White House for a president to see intelligence product firsthand, will be named the new director of the National Geospatial Intelligence Agency.

Cardillo, the current Deputy Director of National Intelligence for Intelligence Integration, replaces the dynamic Letitia Long, known for her energetic public presence and consistent efforts to push the intelligence agency beyond her — and its — comfort zone to ensure the president and American troops got the best geospatial intelligence possible.

Director of National Intelligence James Clapper, who effectively created and first led NGA, issued a statement noting Long’s “superb” leadership and offering a nod to Cardillo’s experience working with the White House.

“Today, Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel, with my concurrence, announced that Robert Cardillo will be the next director of the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency,” Clapper said. “He stepped into a new position we created, and as my deputy director for intelligence integration, has moved the IC forward as a community. At the same time, he has directly served the President as my principal designee for the President’s Daily Brief.”

Cardillo made a rare appearance before the press at this year’s Geoint conference, put on by the US Geospatial Intelligence Foundation. While he was clearly uncomfortable addressing the press and being in the public eye, he answered our sometimes baffling questions with more useful details than one normally expects from a senior intelligence official. He spoke clearly and concisely and did not shy away from sensitive topics, but he spoke about them with discretion.

Here is email Tish Long sent to NGA employees earlier this morning:

From: Long Letitia A NGA-D USA CIV

Sent: Monday, June 02, 2014 9:19 AM

To: *****All NGA – SBU Only

Subject: The time has come….

More than 35 years ago, I started my career in federal service as an engineer with the Navy. Every day and every assignment since has been a joy and a tremendous opportunity. In 2010, the Secretary of Defense and the Director of National Intelligence entrusted me with the great responsibility to lead the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA).

We set a new vision for the agency and worked tirelessly to implement it, while continuing to provide the critical geospatial intelligence that our military and civilian partners have come to expect from NGA. It is an honor and a privilege to serve with you.

Now I want to share with you my decision to retire. The time is right for me, my family, and for the agency.

Very shortly, Secretary Hagel, in coordination with DNI Clapper, will announce my successor. I am so very pleased that it will be Robert Cardillo, the current Deputy Director of National Intelligence for Intelligence Integration. Robert is a truly distinguished intelligence professional who knows the Intelligence Community, NGA, and many of you as well. We will conduct a change of directorship in early October.

I believe for every end there is a new beginning. I do not by any means plan to retire completely, but John and I look forward to starting a new chapter in our lives. In the months to come we will have time to continue to get the mission done, transform the agency, prepare for a smooth transition, and say farewell.

Words cannot express the pride and appreciation I have for each of you, your service, and all that you do.

Best, Tish

Story updated soon.