Robert Keisler

Director, Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (5.6)

Naval Information Warfare Center (NIWC) Atlantic

Mr. Robert Keisler is the Senior Science and Technology Manager (SSTM) and Director of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (AI) for the Naval Information Warfare Center (NIWC) Atlantic and, supporting the Department of the Navy (DON). He serves as NIWC Atlantic's managing executive and senior technical expert for data, analytics, and artificial intelligence (AI); intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR); and electromagnetic spectrum operations (EMSO) delivering competitive advantages for the Naval warfighter.
Mr. Keisler, as the NIWC Atlantic Code 5.6 engineering director, leads a workforce of over 250 engineers, scientists, mathematicians, and information technology specialists, including a cadre of over 100 data science and AI professionals. He directs resource planning, recruitment, and talent development efforts, while enhancing data and AI literacy across the organization. He champions innovation investment, oversees technical execution, and establishes engineering excellence through technical authority and strategic leadership, ensuring capabilities align with and support warfighter priorities and needs. As a pioneer in Federal government data and AI workforce, he advises and supports workforce strategies and goals for higher echelons including partnerships with national and international organizations, industry, and academia.
Mr. Keisler champions and sets NIWC Atlantic’s strategic technology vision for AI, driving innovation, setting standards, building teams, and advancing AI capabilities within the organization. He shapes internal AI research and development and prioritizes intrapreneurial investments, driving growth and delivering cutting-edge technology to the warfighter. He advises the DON on AI strategy, policy, governance, and solution implementation, accelerating AI initiatives in alignment with mission objectives.
Mr. Keisler entered Federal civil service in 2004. He is a native of South Carolina. He is a graduate of Clemson University where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering. He earned a Master of Science in Computer Science from The Citadel and the College of Charleston. He holds a DAWIA Level 3 certification in Engineering.

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