Federal 100: Lt. Gen. Jack Shanahan

Name: Lt. Gen. Jack Shanahan
Title: Director, Joint Artificial Intelligence Center
Organization: Defense Department

The godfather of JAIC. Shanahan did not create the Joint AI Center by himself, but his leadership has been a crucial catalyst for JAIC’s rapid growth into a thriving hub for DOD’s AI technology efforts. Having led the development of the department’s overarching AI strategy, Shanahan because JAIC’s first director in January 2019. He secured budget and staffing (168 permanent military and civilian positions), and JAIC quickly delivered mission applications that range from predictive maintenance for helicopter engines to natural language processing for paperwork. Shanahan is also synchronizing departmentwide AI activities and leading DOD’s efforts to include NATO and other allies in the march toward AI-enhanced defense.

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