Reid Blythe

Cisco CTO & Chief Architect - U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) at Cisco

Los Angeles Metropolitan Area, United States

About Reid Blythe

Reid Blythe is Cisco CTO & Chief Architect - U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) at Cisco. Location: Los Angeles Metropolitan Area, United States.

I've spent my career at the intersection of mission-critical infrastructure and emerging technology—where getting it right means national security, energy resilience, and the future of federal innovation. As CTO and Chief Architect for the Department of Energy, I lead technology strategy across 10 Core Program Offices, Power Marketing Administrations, and 17 National Laboratories—a consolidation of what was previously split across multiple teams. What drives my work: I'm deeply engaged in practical AI application across federal operations. I actively experiment with multiple AI models (Cisco's internally developed Circuit, Claude, ChatGPT, Gemini) and have seen how AI collapses research cycles from days to minutes, freeing leaders to focus on strategy and relationships. I participate in AI executive forums and cross-industry advisory groups spanning banking, healthcare, insurance, and biotech. These outside perspectives help me anticipate trends and apply proven patterns to DoE's unique requirements—from grid modernization to quantum networking. My foundation: 30+ years on high-stakes projects including Air Force One secure communications, the Cyber Security Operations Center protecting the Pacific Northwest Power Grid, and advising USDA to White House Center of Excellence designation. I maintain credentials from CCIE #10405 to CISSP to DoD Top Secret clearance, plus 29 additional technical certifications. My strength is credibility across both legacy systems (Frame Relay, Token Ring) and emerging technologies (AI-driven automation, zero trust, quantum-ready networking). Key Accomplishments: • Cisco/Boeing Advisory Board Chief Technologist (6 years): Cyber, Networking, Data Center, Cloud, Satellite, IOT, Surveillance • Architect: Air Force One secure voice communications (Cisco VOIP—still operating today) • Cisco Architect/CTO: USDA IT modernization → White House Center of Excellence for IT Infrastructure • Architect: First Cyber Security Operations Center protecting US Pacific Northwest Power Grid

Skills

  • CISSP
  • Security
  • Network Architecture

Additional experience

  • Cisco CTO – United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)

    Cisco

    February 2020 – September 2024

Education

  • Physics, Caltech