NASA has appointed David Salvagnini as its first Chief AI Officer (CAIO), a role that extends his responsibilities as the current Chief Data Officer (CDO). This strategic decision aligns with a directive from the Biden administration’s executive order on AI. Bringing a wealth of experience to this new role, Salvagnini joined NASA in June 2023 with over 20 years of experience in technology leadership within the intelligence community
His notable career includes roles such as Director of the Architecture and Integration Group and Chief Architect at the Office of the Director of National Intelligence. Additionally, Salvagnini has a strong military background, having served 21 years in the Air Force as a communications and computer systems officer.
In his dual role as CDO and now CAIO, Salvagnini will focus on aligning NASA’s strategic vision and planning for AI, ensuring that AI continues to support and enhance the agency’s missions. This includes overseeing AI applications ranging from analyzing Earth science imagery to managing data from the James Webb Space Telescope. His efforts will guide NASA’s collaborations with other government bodies, academic entities, industry partners, and technology experts to maintain NASA’s edge in AI technology for space exploration and research.
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