DHS Hires First 10 Experts For its AI Corps

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) recently introduced the inaugural cohort of the "AI Corps," comprising the first 10 AI technology experts.

These new team members will have crucial roles in responsibly deploying AI across key mission domains. These include combating fentanyl trafficking, addressing online child sexual exploitation and abuse, improving immigration services, bolstering critical infrastructure, and strengthening cybersecurity efforts.

“To advance our leadership, we have been recruiting AI talent from around the country, drawing skilled professionals to public service. We are excited to onboard our first group of AI experts to begin the work of our new AI Corps. I look forward to growing our AI Corps in the months ahead, as we continue to introduce the safe and responsible use of AI across the broad range of missions we perform,” Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas said.

The hires include:

1. Sadaf Asrar, AI Technology Expert for the National Center for Education Statistics: Previously developed data products for federal agencies at Optimal Solutions.

2. Zach Fasnacht, AI/ML Product Manager: Brings experience from PwC, Allstate Insurance, and the Library of Congress in digital projects and product management.

3. Pramod Gadde, Machine Learning Lead and healthcare startup founder: Utilized conversational AI to enhance mental healthcare at Confidante.

4. Sean Harvey, Group Product Manager: Led initiatives at Google on YouTube’s Trust and Safety team and launched projects at MLtwist.

5. Jenny Kim, Principal Product Manager: Led machine learning solutions at McKinsey & Company for defense and healthcare clients and served in digital service roles at DHS and the Defense Digital Service.

6. Babatunde Oguntade, Senior Principal Data Scientist: Supported national security agencies at CACI International and received recognition as a White House Presidential Innovation Fellow.

7. Christine Palmer, former Chief Technology Officer of the U.S. Naval Observatory: Oversaw critical operations and cybersecurity initiatives.

8. Dr. Stephen Quirolgico, with extensive experience in AI, machine learning, and cybersecurity:  Led advanced technology projects sponsored by DHS, NIST, DARPA, and SPAWAR.

9. Raquel Romano, Senior Director of Engineering at Fora and former Engineering Lead at the United States Digital Service and Google: Contributed to accessibility, computer vision, and crisis response technologies.

10. Robin L. Rosenberger, Director of Interagency IT and Data Initiatives, Office of the Secretary of Defense: Played key roles in IT, data, and analytics across various technical and managerial positions in the Department of Defense.

Furthermore, DHS also named Michael Boyce as the inaugural Director of the DHS AI Corps. Previously a key figure at the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), Boyce contributed to the federal use of generative AI in the President’s Executive Order on AI's safe and secure development. 

His prior roles include Chief of Innovation and Design at USCIS RAIO, where he managed technology and innovation for humanitarian immigration programs, and a stint as a Digital Service Expert at the United States Digital Service before joining the White House.

In February this year, Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas and Chief AI Officer Eric Hysen kicked off the AI Corps initiative with a recruitment event in Mountain View, CA.