Principal Deputy Director
James Briones is the Principal Deputy Director within the Grid Deployment Office, recognized for his leadership and deep expertise in enhancing the reliability and resilience of the nation’s energy systems. In this role, he leads strategic initiatives that strengthen U.S. energy security, affordability, and dominance through innovative investments and modernization, paving the way for a more reliable and resilient energy future. Prior to rejoining the DOE, James served at Amazon Web Services (AWS), where he led global Security Assurance Programs.
James brings over a decade of experience from his previous tenure at DOE, where he led cybersecurity R&D efforts to protect critical energy infrastructure. He also spent nine years at the U.S. Air Force’s Space and Missile Systems Center, advancing national defense technologies. He holds degrees in electrical engineering, information systems management, and an MBA, and is certified as a CISSP and GIAC professional.