The Pentagon has selected the founder of a Navy office focused on digital warfare, Margaret Palmieri, to be its deputy chief digital and artificial intelligence officer (CDAO), the US Department of Defense (DoD) has announced.
Palmieri, who brings an extensive background in military operations, strategy, and IT, was most recently serving as Special Assistant to the Vice Chief of Naval Operations and as Director of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Action Group.
She previously founded and directed the Navy Digital Warfare Office, where she led digital strategy development and pilot projects to improve the Navy’s use of data, advanced analytics, computing infrastructure, and networks in warfighting and readiness.
“Margie has a proven record of building and managing teams that solve hard technical and operational problems. Her deep knowledge and relationships within DoD will ensure the CDAO navigates and cuts through the bureaucracy to get things done,” said John Sherman, DoD Chief Information Officer and Acting CDAO.
“Our time is now. The CDAO has the support of Secretary Austin and Deputy Secretary Hicks. We are seen. The Office of the CDAO will grow on the strong foundation our organizations have already built. Our inaugural executive team, led by Ms. Palmieri as Deputy CDAO, has the skills, knowledge and relationships that will help pave the way for the Department to accelerate the adoption of data, analytics, and artificial intelligence.”
Several other leadership positions for the newly established CDAO were also announced (see below) at an inaugural Town Hall, which connected all personnel across the Joint Artificial Intelligence Center (JAIC), Chief Data Office (CDO), Defense Digital Services (DDS) and Office of Advancing Analytics (ADVANA).
· Lt Gen Mike Groen, Director, JAIC and Senior Military Advisor to the CDAO
· Dr. Clark Cully, Deputy CDAO, Policy
· Mr. Greg Little, Deputy CDAO, Enterprise Capabilities
· Ms. Katie Olson, Deputy CDAO, Digital Services
· Mr. Dan Folliard, CDAO Chief Operating Officer (COO)
U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Lauren K. Jennings/Released
