Lisa Costa

Chief Technology and Innovation Officer, U.S. Space Force

As the first ever CTIO for the Space Force, America’s newest military service branch, Lisa Costa is charged with “unlocking and harnessing innovation to leverage increased speed and advantage,” according to her DOD bio. That includes developing strategy and policy to advance science and technology as well as research, development, test, and evaluation. She is also tasked with employing cutting-edge technologies to “digitally transform” the service; ensuring IT needs are met; effectively managing Space Force data; and conducting analysis supporting all Space Force staff elements. Prior to her current role, she served as CIO for U.S. Special Operations Command. She has also held senior IT leadership positions in the private sector where her purview included big data, artificial intelligence and real-time predictive risk analytics.