7 Shocking Ways Former Top Spy Sue Gordon Is Fighting Cancer While Undergoing Chemotherapy

The question of whether former Principal Deputy Director of National Intelligence (PDDNI) Susan M. Gordon is undergoing chemotherapy has been confirmed in recent public discussions, revealing a profound and deeply personal battle with cancer. As of December 13, 2025, reports from recent interviews and public appearances confirm that the respected intelligence veteran has been receiving her "latest chemo treatment" as she navigates a challenging medical journey while maintaining an active public and professional life. This update provides a fresh look into the resilience of a woman whose career was defined by national security and now serves as an inspiration in her fight for personal health.

The news of her ongoing treatment is not just a health update; it’s a testament to her disciplined and resilient nature, a trait forged over decades in the U.S. Intelligence Community. Despite the demanding schedule of medical visits and the physical toll of chemotherapy, Gordon continues to shape the future of national security through her advisory roles, demonstrating that her commitment to service and strategic thinking remains unbroken.

The Distinguished Career and Biography of Susan M. Gordon

The Honorable Susan M. Gordon, widely known as Sue Gordon, is one of the most respected and influential leaders in the history of the U.S. Intelligence Community. Her career spans more than three decades, defined by a focus on innovation, technology, and strategic leadership across multiple agencies.

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Here is a detailed look at her distinguished profile:

• Full Name: Susan M. Gordon (Sue Gordon)
• Last Government Role: Principal Deputy Director of National Intelligence (PDDNI)
• PDDNI Tenure: August 2017 to August 2019
• Key Government Roles:
  • Principal Deputy Director of National Intelligence (PDDNI)
  • Deputy Director of the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA)
  • Senior Director for Budget at the National Security Council (NSC)
  • Director of the Central Intelligence Agency’s (CIA) Information Operations Center
  • More than 30 years of service at the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA)
• Post-Government Roles (Current):
  • President of the Board, Pallas Foundation
  • Independent Director, SecurityScorecard
  • Director, CACI International
  • Member of the Board of Trustees, MITRE
  • Advisory Board Member, DTEX Systems
  • Senior Fellow, National Security Institute (NSI) at George Mason University
• Public Commentary: Host/Guest on the podcast *Rock and a Hard Place* (The Cipher Brief)

As the fifth PDDNI, Gordon served as a key advisor to the President and the National Security Council, overseeing the operations of the 17-member Intelligence Community (IC). Her departure in 2019 was a significant event, with speculation surrounding her finding herself "between a rock and a hard place" regarding the political landscape at the time.

The Latest Health Update: Chemotherapy and the Fight Against Cancer

The most pressing and personal update for Sue Gordon is her ongoing fight against cancer, which includes chemotherapy treatments. Her willingness to discuss her illness publicly has shifted the conversation from a private battle to a powerful example of resilience and leadership in the face of a severe health crisis.

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1. Chemotherapy as a New Routine

The former PDDNI has openly acknowledged that chemotherapy has forced a modification of her daily life. While her schedule still reflects the disciplined cadence she maintained at the peak of her career, it is now structured to accommodate frequent medical visits and the demanding nature of the treatment. The process of chemotherapy, she notes, "creates new shapes for her everyday routine," a profound adjustment for someone whose life was previously governed by the strict, high-stakes demands of national intelligence.

2. The "Latest Chemo Treatment" Confirmation

In a recent conversation with journalist Sasha Ingber on Substack, it was explicitly mentioned that their chat occurred before her "latest chemo treatment." This detail is the most current public confirmation that Gordon's treatment is ongoing and not a past event, underscoring the continuous nature of her fight. This personal disclosure highlights her transparency and commitment to facing the illness head-on.

3. Maintaining Professional Discipline Despite Illness

One of the most remarkable aspects of Gordon's health journey is her refusal to let the illness sideline her professional contributions. The discipline and mental fortitude she honed over three decades in the CIA and the Intelligence Community are now being channeled into her recovery and her continued work in the private sector. Her fight against cancer is an extension of her professional life—a challenge to be met with strategy and determination.

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4. The Unconventional Presidential Run Consideration

In a surprising detail revealed during her public discussions, Gordon mentioned that she had been quietly drafting the outline of a possible presidential run during one of her medical treatments. This anecdote powerfully illustrates her enduring ambition and her ability to maintain a strategic, forward-looking mindset even while dealing with the physical and emotional stress of chemotherapy. It positions her health battle not as a pause, but as a different kind of operational challenge.

Life After Intelligence: Current Roles and Enduring Influence

Despite the significant health challenge, Sue Gordon remains a highly influential figure in the world of technology, national security, and strategic advisory. Her current roles demonstrate a continuation of her commitment to public service and the modernization of the Intelligence Community (IC).

5. Leading the Pallas Foundation

Gordon serves as the President of the Board for the Pallas Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to fostering a new generation of national security leaders. This role allows her to directly influence policy and mentorship, transferring her vast experience as a key advisor to the President and the National Security Council to future strategists.

6. Strategic Advisory and Board Memberships

Her expertise is highly sought after in the private sector. Gordon currently holds several independent director and advisory board positions, including:

• CACI International: Serving as a Director for the multinational information technology and services company.
• MITRE: Holding a position on the Board of Trustees for the federally funded research and development center.
• SecurityScorecard: Serving as an Independent Director, focusing on cybersecurity ratings and risk management.
• DTEX Systems: Joining the advisory board of the user behavior intelligence and insider risk management firm.

These roles ensure that her insights on issues like Russia, China, and the future of intelligence remain current and impactful, directly influencing the technological and security landscape of the United States.

7. Public Commentary and the *Rock and a Hard Place* Podcast

Through her association with The Cipher Brief, Gordon maintains a public platform, including her podcast *Rock and a Hard Place*. The podcast's title is a nod to the difficult political and operational challenges she faced during her time as PDDNI, particularly following the departure of her boss, Director of National Intelligence Dan Coats. This platform allows her to provide nuanced analysis on global threats and strategic challenges, proving that her voice in the intelligence community remains essential, even as she manages her health.

Sue Gordon's journey through chemotherapy and cancer treatment is a powerful demonstration of her legendary resilience. The former top spy is not only fighting for her life but is simultaneously continuing her life's work—guiding national security, advising on critical technology, and inspiring others with her unwavering commitment to service. Her story is a fresh, current example of true strength and leadership in the face of a personal "rock and a hard place."