US Department of the Air Force Appoints Jennifer M Orozco as Deputy CIO

(US and Canada) The U.S. Department of the Air Force (DAF) has appointed Jennifer M Orozco as Deputy Chief Information Officer. In this role, Orozco assists the Chief Information Officer in overseeing three key areas: Enterprise Information Technology, Data and Artificial Intelligence, and Cybersecurity. She also supports a global team of 20,000 personnel engaged in cyber operations, managing a portfolio worth $17 billion.

Orozco’s responsibilities include overseeing the Air Force’s IT investment strategy, encompassing network infrastructure, cloud computing, enterprise policy, data management, and digital transformation initiatives. She ensures the department’s cybersecurity efforts and enforces legal requirements related to the Freedom of Information Act, the Privacy Act, and the ethical use of artificial intelligence. The role also includes integrating warfighting and mission support systems, ensuring the security of air, space, and terrestrial operations.

Previously, Orozco held the role of Director of Security, Special Program Oversight, and Information Protection, where she was responsible for safeguarding the nation's most sensitive information, technologies, and capabilities. She brings 28 years of experience in the DAF and the Department of Defense (DoD), including two decades as an officer serving in both active and reserve roles with the U.S. Air Force.

From 1996 to 2016, Orozco served as an officer in both active and reserve components of the U.S. Air Force, with a focus on Security Forces assignments. She transitioned to federal civil service in 2008 with the Office of the Secretary of Defense for Intelligence and joined the Department of the Air Force in 2013. During this time, she was instrumental in establishing the Air Force Counter Insider Threat program and contributed to personnel vetting and security reforms. She was appointed to the Senior Executive Service in 2020 as Deputy Director for Security, Special Program Oversight, and Information Protection.