Cava to run biometrics center

Army Biometrics Fusion Center Web site

The Army today announced that Samuel Cava has been appointed director of the Defense Department's Biometrics Fusion Center.

The center is the test and evaluation facility for DOD's Biometrics Management Office, which oversees the military's development, adoption and institutionalization of biometric technologies for combat commanders.

As director, Cava will be responsible for enhancing the center's test and evaluation capabilities and establishing stronger ties with other Defense organizations and federal agencies.

"Sam will be instrumental in guiding the successful implementation of biometrics to support mission-critical warfighter applications, and working with the Department of Homeland Security, State Department and other agencies on collective U.S. government goals for biometrics," said Vernon Bettencourt, Army deputy chief information officer, in a statement.

Cava comes to the biometrics center from West Virginia University, where he was director of forensic and biometric development. Before that, he was in the Air Force, working in several intelligence-related assignments.

He holds a bachelor of science in electrical engineering from the university.