Lauren Knausenberger, deputy chief information officer of the U.S. Air Force, recently discussed her initiatives, noting that as CIO she will extend the work she conducted in her previous role as chief transformation officer with the service branch.
As USAF's deputy CIO, Knausenberger said she will focus on modernizing cybersecurity practices and advancing new technology into the department.
In addition to modernizing enterprise IT platforms, Knausenberger stated that she will focus on advancing artificial intelligence (AI) enabled systems, expand usable and actionable data sets, and create a “sensor net,” developed from an interoperable layer of data, that can be read from multiple sensors.
Knausenberger will continue to support greater educational opportunities for airmen, championing the launch of the Digital University. The U.S. Air Force has projected to launch its Digital University by the end of 2020, which will enhance training for front-line IT and cybersecurity workers.
The online university has been made available to airmen in a beta version, and will develop its catalog of courses to upskill the workforce. The Digital University was developed as a part of the “Digital Air Force” strategy.
The strategy was developed to consolidate IT networks and increase the technical acumen across the entire department. Business and Enterprise Systems Product Innovation (BESPIN) will host the beta version.
She will also work to expand robotic process automation (RPA) to reduce the menial tasks that need to be done by humans, as well as expand access to the technology that has allowed for mass telework throughout COVID-19.
Knausenberger was appointed as deputy CIO in Aug. 2020 to lead the U.S. Air Force’s enterprise IT policy and management office, succeeding Bill Marion, who retired from the Air Force as deputy CIO in April 2020.
As deputy CIO, Knausenberger will command the SAF/CN office, leading the department’s enterprise IT, cybersecurity and digital transformation initiatives. Prior to assuming her new role, Knausenberger served as chief transformation officer and director of cyberspace innovation with the Air Force.
