(US and Canada) Capt. Brian Erickson, Chief Data Officer of the U.S. Coast Guard, speaks with John Filipek, Senior Manager of Public Sector Inside Federal Sales, SHI, in a video interview about his role and background, the data readiness task force, workforce development, and the tasks at hand.

The former search and rescue helicopter pilot has over 30 years of experience in the aviation industry. Erickson also led the U.S. Coast Guard’s data readiness task force. He says that it led to the organization’s first office of data and analytics.

As the Coast Guard’s first CDO, Erickson focused on establishing the required work roles and improving data literacy and analytics. As a result of the new approach, data scientists, data stewards, data experts, artificial intelligence specialists, and even RPA specialists have been introduced into the organization.

Erickson says that his team is at an inflection point and is truly committed and resourced to be data-driven. Because it is the nation’s oldest continuous seagoing service, he explains, the Coast Guard must update its legacy ways of doing business and move forward.

In conclusion, he says his team will move data forward, develop new approaches, and drive cultural and process changes.

CDO Magazine appreciates Capt. Brian Erickson for sharing his insights and data success stories with our global community.