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Immediate Release

DOD Announces Chair for the Defense Innovation Board

Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin has nominated Michael R. Bloomberg as the chair of the Defense Innovation Board.  Bloomberg will be the first chair of the Defense Innovation Board appointed since the completion of Secretary of Defense Austin’s zero-based review of all DOD advisory boards and committees.

Bloomberg brings a wealth of experience to the Defense Innovation Board as an innovator in business, government, and philanthropy.  He is an entrepreneur and leader, and as mayor of New York City, led the city’s resurgence after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks and established New York City as a global technology hub.  He is the Founder of Bloomberg L.P., a technology company that revolutionized the global financial services industry, leveraging technology to bring greater transparency and fairness to the financial system through the Bloomberg Terminal. Bloomberg is also the Founder of Bloomberg Philanthropies, one of the nation’s largest philanthropic organizations that utilizes a unique data-driven approach to global change. Bloomberg also serves as the United Nations Secretary-General's Special Envoy for Climate Ambition and Solutions, as well as the World Health Organization Ambassador for Noncommunicable Diseases and Injuries.

As the chair of the Defense Innovation Board, Bloomberg will lead a group of renowned-experts and leaders from across the nation’s innovation base who will provide strategic insights and recommendations on technology and innovation to addresses the Department’s highest national security priorities.  Through the Under Secretary of Defense for Research & Engineering, the Defense Innovation Board provides the Secretary, Deputy Secretary, and other senior leaders independent advice and recommendations on how to accelerate innovation and compete in a technology-and-innovation-driven environment.

In accepting the nomination as chair, Bloomberg noted, “Innovation and adaptability are absolutely critical at any large organization, and there is no organization bigger or more complex than the Department of Defense.  With rapid advances in technology happening alongside rapidly evolving threats to our national security and the safety of our service members, our largest government agency must also be our most forward-thinking. I’m honored to work with Secretary Austin, Deputy Secretary Hicks, other senior Defense Department leaders and innovators from government and business to help bring new ideas and outside perspective that can help protect Americans and our values, interests, and allies around the world.”

The Defense Innovation Board has been and will continue to be a valuable resource as the Department defends the nation, takes care of our people and succeeds through teamwork. The DoD leadership team looks forward to working with Michael Bloomberg in his new role as the Defense Innovation Board chair, as well as with the whole board as it begins its work.

Additional information about the Defense Innovation Board and its membership can be found on its website: https://innovation.defense.gov/.