diff --git a/.github/CODEOWNERS b/.github/CODEOWNERS
index bd2239e69..3d7614620 100644
--- a/.github/CODEOWNERS
+++ b/.github/CODEOWNERS
@@ -1,3 +1,7 @@
 # For more information on CODEOWNERS, see the documentation: https://docs.github.com/en/repositories/managing-your-repositorys-settings-and-features/customizing-your-repository/about-code-owners
 
-docs/* @dotgov
\ No newline at end of file
+# Default owners for all files
+* @abroddrick
+
+# Owners for documentation
+docs/* @cisagov/dotgov
diff --git a/.github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE/developer-onboarding.md b/.github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE/developer-onboarding.md
index b8f102685..74af9ef60 100644
--- a/.github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE/developer-onboarding.md
+++ b/.github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE/developer-onboarding.md
@@ -34,6 +34,8 @@ cf login -a api.fr.cloud.gov  --sso
 
  **Note:** As mentioned in the [Login documentation](https://developers.login.gov/testing/), the sandbox Login account is different account from your regular, production Login account. If you have not created a Login account for the sandbox before, you will need to create a new account first.
 
+- [ ] Optional- add yourself as a codeowner if desired. See the [Developer readme](https://github.com/cisagov/getgov/blob/main/docs/developer/README.md) for how to do this and what it does.
+
 ### Steps for the onboarder
 - [ ] Add the onboardee to cloud.gov org (cisa-getgov-prototyping) 
 - [ ] Setup a [developer specific space for the new developer](#setting-up-developer-sandbox)
diff --git a/docs/developer/README.md b/docs/developer/README.md
index a5e1d312e..d96fa7253 100644
--- a/docs/developer/README.md
+++ b/docs/developer/README.md
@@ -81,6 +81,22 @@ The endpoint /admin can be used to view and manage site content, including but n
 
 5. In the browser, navigate to /admins. To verify that all is working correctly, under "domain applications" you should see fake domains with various fake statuses.
 
+## Adding to CODEOWNERS (optional)
+
+The CODEOWNERS file sets the tagged individuals as default reviewers on any Pull Request that changes files that they are marked as owners of.
+
+1. Go to [.github\CODEOWNERS](../../.github/CODEOWNERS)
+2. Following the [CODEOWNERS documentation](https://docs.github.com/en/repositories/managing-your-repositorys-settings-and-features/customizing-your-repository/about-code-owners), add yourself as owner to files that you wish to be automatically requested as reviewer for.
+   
+   For example, if you wish to add yourself as a default reviewer for all pull requests, add your GitHub username to the same line as the `*` designator:  
+
+   ```diff
+   - * @abroddrick
+   + * @abroddrick @YourGitHubUser
+   ```
+
+3. Create a pull request to finalize your changes
+
 ## Viewing Logs
 
 If you run via `docker-compose up`, you'll see the logs in your terminal.