DISA Central change of command marks new chapter in leadership amid global challenges
By Devon L. Suits, DISA Public Affairs
July 14, 2025
Army Col. Ivan Alvarado delivers remarks during the DISA Central change of command ceremony.
The Defense Information Systems Agency’s Central Field Command marked a leadership transition July 2, ensuring continuity within the complex and contested cyber domain of U.S. Central Command’s area of responsibility.
Army Col. Ivan Alvarado relieved Army Col. Jared W. Snawder during a change of command ceremony presided over by Army Lt. Gen. Paul T. Stanton, DISA director and Department of Defense Cyber Defense Command commander.
Command defined by resilience, innovation
Stanton emphasized Snawder's tenure as DISA Central commander was far from ordinary, highlighting his leadership in delivering resilient, around-the-clock support to personnel deployed within the region.
The director recognized Snawder's role in facilitating CENTCOM's increased support for Israel, following the strategic realignment in 2021 that shifted Israel from U.S. European Command. This move was designed to bolster the U.S.-Israeli defense partnership and improve operational coordination.
“Consider what it takes to effectively communicate with our allies and partners at the speed of Iron Dome,” Stanton said, alluding to the complexities created by real-time data exchange. “This has been put to the test for well over a year now with the Israeli and Gazan conflict, and notably what happened there recently in and around Iran.”
Following the October Hamas attack on Israel, Snawder and the DISA Central team provided strategic communications support for Israel’s defense. This support included a tenfold increase in available bandwidth, achieved in just 18 days compared to the 540-day average.
“There’s nothing like validating two years of work in the last 10 days of command,” Stanton joked, garnering a laugh from the audience.
“[Snawder] helped us think through what resiliency means in theater. He knows what it means to never lose communications,” Stanton added. “That’s exactly what we did when the nation needed it most.”
Snawder's leadership also proved vital in navigating the challenges posed by four hurricanes, to include Hurricane Milton in 2024. The Category 3 storm made landfall approximately 60 miles south of MacDill Air Force Base, bringing 120 mph winds, storm surge, and heavy rains that overwhelmed local drainage systems, according to local news reports.
Stanton recalled his visit to the DISA Central team during recovery operations and praised Snawder and the team for never losing site of the mission.
“He led the team with empathy and realized the circumstances, all while figuring out how to let the message get through -- despite the challenges.” Stanton said. “That's the kind of leader [Snawder] is and will continue to be.”
Beyond operational demands, Snawder focused heavily on building a positive command climate. Under his leadership, DISA Central was named the agency’s 2023 Field Command of the Year.
“I think that speaks volumes about this team and the intense focus on the command climate … so you all could take care of the mission,” Snawder said.
“It has been an amazing two years,” Snawder added. “I'm especially proud of this team. You did the work, so I appreciate everything you all have done.”
Snawder will fully transition to U.S. Southern Command as the director of its J-6 Communications Systems Directorate, a role he has held for several weeks while simultaneously commanding DISA Central, according to Stanton.
“When I talk about commanders in their command tenure, I ask them to sprint through the tape,” Stanton said, noting Snawder exceeded expectations. “That’s impressive, and I can't thank you enough for your dedication to our mission.”
Alvarado assumes command: Ready to run
Taking the reins, Alvarado is a seasoned leader with a background in electrical engineering and systems integration. A graduate of West Point and Carnegie Mellon, he also served twice as aide-de-camp to retired Army Gen. Paul Nakasone, former commander of U.S. Cyber Command and National Security Agency director, gaining valuable experience in high-pressure environments.
“There’s never not an interesting time in CENTCOM and you're stepping in in the middle of operations and not going to skip a beat,” Stanton said, commenting on Alvarado’s ability to remain calm under pressure and hit the ground running.
Alvarado aims to build on Snawder's foundation by fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation and teamwork.
“DISA Central’s relationship with CENTCOM is at the core of our mission -- delivering secure, resilient communications and innovative technology enables operational success across the region,” Alvarado said. “By strengthening our relationships and working as a cohesive team, we will continue to deliver results that advance our mission and serve our nation.”
“We are proud to serve,” Alvarado said in closing. “We are ‘Central to Success!’”
DISA Central provides, operates, and defends the Department of Defense Information Network in the CENTCOM area of responsibility. It ensures enterprise capabilities for the command and mission partners by maintaining situational awareness and supporting integrated planning. DISA Central's mission includes providing command, control, communication, and computer systems; delivering joint command and control capabilities; managing and defending DODIN operations; and managing communication of operational information.