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Capt. Brian Erickson, Chief Data & Artificial Intelligence Officer (CDAO), United States Coast Guard

Describe your career to date

My career as a military rescue helicopter pilot is one of the most interesting pathways to becoming a large organization data leader. I am the United States Coast Guard’s first Chief Data and Artificial Intelligence (AI) Officer (CDAO), holding this position since November of 2021.  

Under my leadership, the organization established the first ever office of data and analytics, formalized an enterprise data governance structure, deployed data teams in business domains, deployed the first agency integrated data environment, and the first data governance toolset. I am an enthusiastic change agent working to maximize the full potential of the agencies data as a strategic asset. 

How are you developing the data literacy of your organization, including the skills of your data teams and of your business stakeholders?  

I fully recognize that data and AI literacy for any organization can only be elevated through both top-down and bottom-up efforts. Under my leadership, the US Coast Guard has awarded contracts to provide the first ever formalized AI training curriculum for personnel from tactical operators to senior executives.  

I have also secured Department of Defense AI senior executive training focused on leading AI enabled organizations. Additionally, I personally held CDAO educational hours where data experts and evangelists brought outside perspectives to senior organization leaders as well as data professionals. 

What role do you play in building and delivering conventional AI solutions, including machine learning models? Are you involved in your organization’s adoptions of generative AI? 

I proudly lead the organizational adoption of AI across all domains. As one of the United States Armed Forces, a member of the Intelligence Community, a law enforcement agency, and a regulatory agency, the United States Coast Guard possesses a portfolio of complex mission objectives across the defense and homeland security landscape. Many diverse applications of computer vision and natural language processing – including generative AI – provide frontline operators and mission managers with tools that enhance decision advantage. 

Have you set out a vision for data? If so, what is it aiming for and does it embrace the whole organization or just the data function? 

The United States Coast Guard is the oldest continuous sea service in our nation. Since 1790, the Coast Guard has defended our shores and ensured mariner safety day and night. In only the last three years of the services’ 233-year history has there been a CDAO.  

As the Chief Data and Artificial Intelligence Officer, I am responsible for data and AI management, governance, adoption, and workforce education. The organizational adoption of AI requires a culture of experimentation, a trained workforce, and a strong technological foundation of infrastructure and quality data. I am working to drive solutions and change to shift the culture of the organization to find areas where AI solutions will achieve operational success. 

Capt. Brian Erickson
has been included in:
  • 100 Brands 2022 (USA)
  • 100 Brands 2024 (USA)

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