JDG Associates Tapped by the Defense Health Agency to Fill Senior Position
January 13, 2026 – Rockville, MD-based executive search firm JDG Associates has been selected by the Defense Health Agency (DHA) to lead in its search for director, TRICARE Health Plan.
With a budget of more than $55 billion, DHA is a Combat Support Agency that oversees the Military Health System (MHS) and delivers care to 9.6 million beneficiaries worldwide. This senior executive service position reports directly to the assistant director of healthcare administration and sits within the office of the assistant secretary of war for health affairs.
The director provides oversight of multi-billion-dollar purchased care contracts; manages TRICARE dental, pharmacy, and overseas programs; coordinates benefits across direct and purchased care systems; develops healthcare policy and program options; and delivers health program analysis to stakeholders.
Candidates must have in-depth healthcare industry knowledge, including experience with MHS management, managed care operations, TRICARE programs, and senior leadership in civilian or uniformed healthcare settings. Federal acquisition and program management experience including managing, forecasting, developing, and evaluating a large healthcare program is also preferred.
The Defense Health Agency is designated as a Combat Support Agency leading the Military Health System, one of the largest health systems in the United States, which delivers health services to 9.6 million beneficiaries in military hospitals and clinics around the world through the TRICARE health plan.
JDG Associates has been providing executive recruitment services to Fortune 1000 corporations, associations and non-profits, federal, state, and local governments, research and consulting firms, and defense contractors since 1973. The firm’s research-intensive process and personal approach have resulted in more than 4,000 senior-level searches across a broad spectrum of industries and disciplines in the Washington, D.C. region and nationally.
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Darren DeGioia serves as president of JDG. He conducts senior-level search assignments for research and consulting organizations as well as the public sector. His areas of expertise include information technology, accounting and finance, the quantitative sciences, operations/general management, marketing, and communications. Prior to joining JDG, Mr. DeGioia spent four years in the hospitality industry with the Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts and Sheraton Hotels.
The MIL Corporation Searches
JDG Associates recently assisted in the recruitment of Yolanda Reid and Mike Marshall as vice presidents of cybersecurity at The MIL Corporation. With over 25 years of experience at the forefront of national security and emerging technology, Ms. Reid has led some of the most advanced cyber and intelligence programs supporting the U.S. government and allied partners. Her expertise spans cybersecurity, cloud computing, AI, and post-quantum cryptography (PQC), with deep domain knowledge in both offensive and defensive cyber operations, secure systems, and strategic technology development.
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Mr. Marshall has led business development, capture, P&L, proposal, and program/project management efforts across cybersecurity, cloud/IT infrastructure, AI/data analytics, and software development. His DoD relationships span the Air Force/Space Force (Pentagon, SAF/AQ, Peterson AFB, SMC/Los Angeles AFB, Hanscom AFB), DFAS, DTRA, DIA, and Army CIO. Of note, Mr. Marshall led multiple winning $1B+ IDIQ captures and $100M+ task orders through GSA FEDSIM Alliant vehicles. His leadership helped grow portfolios up to $50 million/year with 250+ staff.
Established in 1980, MIL provides innovative cyber, engineering, financial, and information technology services to the federal government. Headquartered in Bowie, Maryland, MIL has built a strong reputation for delivering mission-critical solutions that enhance government efficiency and security. The company’s dedicated workforce partners with numerous federal agencies to drive technological advancement and operational excellence.
Related: JDG Associates Fills Senior Position for R&K Enterprise Solutions
Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief and Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
