Air Force Research Laboratory Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

Air Force Research Laboratory has 5 executives leading key functions including research strategy, technology development, information systems, supercomputing, and artificial intelligence.

Dedicated to advancing defense capabilities, Air Force Research Laboratory drives scientific innovation to secure air, space, and cyber superiority for the United States.

Leadership Roles at Air Force Research Laboratory

  • Chief Technology Officer - Michael Salisbury
  • Chief Information Officer - David Cartmell
  • Chief Information Officer, Air Force Maui Optical & Supercomputing (Amos) - Kristin Warren
  • Deputy Director - Kevin Schoen
  • Digital Information & Ai Lead Officer - Scott Doss
  • Michael Salisbury - Chief Technology Officer

    Michael Salisbury, the Chief Technology Officer at Air Force Research Laboratory, architects the technical roadmap for advanced defense innovations. Directing the development of directed energy and aerospace systems, the Chief Technology Officer ensures that research initiatives remain at the forefront of global technological competition. This role involves evaluating emerging scientific trends and integrating these findings into the laboratory's core development pipeline. By fostering collaboration between internal research units and external defense partners, Michael Salisbury accelerates the transition of experimental concepts into field-ready applications. The Chief Technology Officer monitors the progress of high-impact projects, ensuring that technical milestones align with the strategic needs of the U.S. Space Force. Through continuous assessment of technological readiness levels, Salisbury drives the laboratory's capacity to deliver superior capabilities in cyber and physical domains, ultimately strengthening the nation's defense posture through sustained scientific advancement.
    Michael Salisbury

    David Cartmell - Chief Information Officer

    David Cartmell, the Chief Information Officer at Air Force Research Laboratory, manages the digital infrastructure supporting critical scientific research and development. Overseeing the secure integration of data systems, the Chief Information Officer ensures that research teams possess the computational tools necessary for complex modeling and simulation. This leadership role involves implementing robust cybersecurity protocols to protect sensitive defense data across all laboratory networks. By modernizing information technology frameworks, David Cartmell facilitates seamless collaboration between researchers and external stakeholders. The Chief Information Officer directs the deployment of scalable digital solutions that enhance the speed and accuracy of scientific analysis. Through the strategic management of enterprise-wide information assets, Cartmell supports the laboratory's mission to maintain technological dominance in cyber environments. This focus on digital resilience ensures that all research activities remain protected while enabling rapid innovation across the entire spectrum of defense-related scientific inquiry.

    Kristin Warren - Chief Information Officer, Air Force Maui Optical & Supercomputing (Amos)

    Kristin Warren, the Chief Information Officer, Air Force Maui Optical & Supercomputing (Amos) at Air Force Research Laboratory, directs the high-performance computing operations essential for space situational awareness. Overseeing the supercomputing infrastructure, the Chief Information Officer, Air Force Maui Optical & Supercomputing (Amos) ensures that massive datasets are processed with precision to support critical defense missions. This role involves managing the specialized optical and computational resources required for tracking objects in space and analyzing complex aerospace phenomena. By optimizing the performance of supercomputing clusters, Kristin Warren enables researchers to conduct high-fidelity simulations that inform strategic decision-making. The Chief Information Officer, Air Force Maui Optical & Supercomputing (Amos) coordinates with national security partners to provide real-time data insights. Through the application of advanced computational techniques, Warren secures the laboratory's leadership in space-based research, ensuring that all technical operations support the broader objectives of the U.S. Space Force.

    Kevin Schoen - Deputy Director

    Kevin Schoen, the Deputy Director at Air Force Research Laboratory, manages the operational execution of complex scientific research programs. Overseeing the integration of basic and applied research, the Deputy Director ensures alignment between laboratory objectives and the broader defense requirements of the U.S. Air Force. This leadership role involves coordinating cross-functional teams to transition advanced technologies into operational capabilities for air and space domains. By optimizing resource allocation across diverse research portfolios, Kevin Schoen directly impacts the efficiency of defense innovation cycles. The Deputy Director maintains rigorous oversight of human performance and aerospace systems development, ensuring that all scientific outputs meet the highest standards of technical excellence. Through strategic planning and internal governance, Schoen secures the long-term viability of the laboratory's mission to provide cutting-edge solutions for national security challenges across global theaters of operation.

    Scott Doss - Digital Information & Ai Lead Officer

    Scott Doss, the Digital Information & Ai Lead Officer at Air Force Research Laboratory, drives the integration of artificial intelligence into defense research and development workflows. Overseeing the development of machine learning algorithms, the Digital Information & Ai Lead Officer ensures that automated systems enhance the speed and efficacy of scientific discovery. This leadership role involves identifying opportunities to apply AI to aerospace systems, human performance data, and cyber defense strategies. By architecting scalable AI frameworks, Scott Doss enables the laboratory to process vast amounts of research data with unprecedented efficiency. The Digital Information & Ai Lead Officer collaborates with technical teams to ensure that all AI implementations adhere to rigorous safety and ethical standards. Through the strategic deployment of intelligent systems, Doss accelerates the transition of innovative concepts into operational reality, ensuring that the laboratory remains a global leader in the application of advanced digital technologies for national security.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Air Force Research Laboratory Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Air Force Research Laboratory?
    Air Force Research Laboratory is led by Michael Salisbury (Chief Technology Officer), along with executives such as David Cartmell (Chief Information Officer) and Kristin Warren (Chief Information Officer, Air Force Maui Optical & Supercomputing (Amos)).
    Who is part of Air Force Research Laboratory’s executive team?
    The executive team of Air Force Research Laboratory includes leaders such as Michael Salisbury (Chief Technology Officer), David Cartmell (Chief Information Officer), Kristin Warren (Chief Information Officer, Air Force Maui Optical & Supercomputing (Amos)) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Air Force Research Laboratory have?
    Air Force Research Laboratory has 5 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Air Force Research Laboratory’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Air Force Research Laboratory includes roles such as Chief Technology Officer, Chief Information Officer, Chief Information Officer, Air Force Maui Optical & Supercomputing (Amos), Deputy Director, Digital Information & Ai Lead Officer.