David Salvagnini Named NASA’s First Chief AI Officer

(US and Canada) NASA Administrator Bill Nelson named David Salvagnini as the agency's new Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer (CAIO). Effective immediately, the role is an expansion of Salvagnini's current role as Chief Data Officer.

In his expanded capacity, Salvagnini will continue NASA's collaboration with other government agencies, academic institutions, industry partners, and other experts to ensure the agency is on the cutting edge of AI technology.

"Artificial intelligence has been safely used at NASA for decades, and as this technology expands, it can accelerate the pace of discovery," said Nelson. "It's important that we remain at the forefront of advancement and responsible use. In this new role, David will lead NASA's efforts to guide our agency's responsible use of AI in the cosmos and on Earth to benefit all humanity."

This appointment is in line with President Biden's Executive Order on the Safe, Secure, and Trustworthy Development and Use of Artificial Intelligence. Salvagnini now is responsible for aligning the strategic vision and planning for AI usage across NASA. He serves as a champion for AI innovation, supporting the development and risk management of tools, platforms, and training.

Salvagnini joined NASA in June 2023 after more than 20 years working in technology leadership in the intelligence community. Prior to his role at NASA, he served the Office of the Director of National Intelligence as Director of the Architecture and Integration Group and Chief Architect.

He also worked in a variety of roles leading enterprise-level IT research and development, engineering, and operations advancing data, IT, and artificial intelligence programs. Before Salvagnini's appointment, the agency's Chief Scientist Kate Calvin served as NASA's acting responsible AI official.