Michael Foster Takes On Chief Data Officer Role at US Central Command

The U.S. Central Command has announced the appointment of Michael Foster to oversee enterprise-wide data efforts as chief data officer.

A veteran of the technology sector and the Department of Defense, Foster said he is excited to tackle challenges to developing data-centric solutions for warfighters, CENTCOM said Friday.

Gen. Michael Kurilla, CENTCOM commander, tied Foster’s recruitment to his organization’s “People, Partners and Innovation” talent acquisition approach, which he said involves bringing on best talent from the military and civilian sectors and empowering them.

Kurilla added that Foster will join Schuyler Moore, the command’s chief technology officer, and Andrew Moore, the command’s adviser for artificial intelligence, robotics, cloud computing and data analytics.

Foster previously served as head of solutions at CrowdAI and machine learning director at Maxar, leading data and AI development and integration efforts. He was formerly part of the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency’s Senior Executive Service.

His educational background includes a physics degree from the U.S. Air Force Academy.