Navy Creates Science and Technology Board, Names Leadership

Navy Secretary Carlos Del Toro has established a Science and Technology Board to provide the Department of the Navy with independent guidance on technical, acquisition and business management issues and policies.

Del Toro, a 2023 Wash100 awardee, explained that the board will support ongoing efforts and recommend new initiatives to improve warfighter capabilities.

The board comprises leaders from the public, private, academic and scientific sectors, including former senior Navy, Pentagon and White House officials.

Richard Danzig, the 71st Navy secretary, has been appointed to lead the board. He possesses over four decades of national security and intelligence strategy experience and has served as presidential adviser on such matters. Danzig said the DON STB’s main task is to connect current needs with science and technology opportunities.

Former Navy Chief Architect Howard Fireman will serve as vice chair, and Maria Proestou, the DON’s strategic acquisition adviser, will serve as designated federal official.

The board’s first meeting is scheduled for Sept. 22, the Navy said.