Defense Media Activity Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

Defense Media Activity has 4 executives leading key functions including strategy, information technology, mission support, and financial operations.

Driven by a commitment to informing Department of Defense audiences, Defense Media Activity preserves visual information records and trains public affairs professionals, serving as the DoD's direct communication line for news and information to U.S. forces globally through diverse media outlets.

Leadership Roles at Defense Media Activity

  • Deputy Chief Financial Officer - Elizabeth Hatcher
  • Chief of Staff - Christian Newton
  • Chief Information Officer - Dennis Cornell
  • Director, Mission Support Line of Business and Chief Technology Officer - Christopher Hopwood
  • Elizabeth Hatcher - Deputy Chief Financial Officer

    Elizabeth Hatcher, the Deputy Chief Financial Officer at Defense Media Activity, directs financial planning, budgeting, and resource management to support the agency's global operations. Overseeing fiscal integrity, Hatcher ensures that financial resources are allocated effectively to maintain the delivery of news and information to Department of Defense audiences worldwide. This leadership position involves managing financial controls and compliance, safeguarding the agency's assets, and optimizing expenditures across various media platforms. By driving financial efficiency, Elizabeth Hatcher directly supports the operational continuity of DMA's communication efforts. The Deputy Chief Financial Officer's strategic financial oversight is crucial for sustaining the agency's mission to inform, preserve records, and train professionals within the DoD.

    Christian Newton - Chief of Staff

    Christian Newton, the Chief of Staff at Defense Media Activity, directs strategic initiatives and operational alignment across the organization. Overseeing critical internal functions, Newton ensures seamless execution of the agency's mission to inform Department of Defense audiences worldwide. This leadership role involves coordinating departmental efforts, managing key projects, and facilitating communication between executive leadership and operational teams. By optimizing resource allocation and streamlining processes, Christian Newton directly supports the agency's objective of delivering news and entertainment through various media channels. The Chief of Staff's purview extends to enhancing the efficiency of public affairs and visual information training programs, thereby strengthening the DoD's communication capabilities on land, sea, and air.

    Dennis Cornell - Chief Information Officer

    Dennis Cornell, the Chief Information Officer at Defense Media Activity, architects and executes the agency's comprehensive information technology strategy. Overseeing all aspects of digital infrastructure and cybersecurity, Cornell ensures the secure and efficient delivery of information to U.S. forces globally. This critical role involves managing the technological backbone for media outlets, including radio, TV, and emerging digital platforms. By driving innovation in IT solutions, Dennis Cornell enhances the agency's capacity to present news, information, and entertainment across diverse environments. The Chief Information Officer's leadership ensures robust data management and preservation of the Department's visual information records, directly supporting DMA's mission to keep audiences informed and connected worldwide.
    Dennis Cornell

    Christopher Hopwood - Director, Mission Support Line of Business and Chief Technology Officer

    Christopher Hopwood, the Director, Mission Support Line of Business and Chief Technology Officer at Defense Media Activity, spearheads technological advancements and operational support for the agency's core missions. Overseeing the integration of cutting-edge technologies, Hopwood ensures that media production and distribution capabilities remain at the forefront of communication strategies. This dual role involves managing the technological infrastructure that supports news dissemination and the preservation of visual information records for the Department of Defense. By driving innovation in mission support systems, Christopher Hopwood enhances the agency's ability to reach U.S. forces deployed worldwide. The Chief Technology Officer's expertise directly contributes to the effectiveness of DMA's training programs for public affairs and visual information professionals.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Defense Media Activity Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Defense Media Activity?
    Defense Media Activity is led by Elizabeth Hatcher (Deputy Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as Christian Newton (Chief of Staff) and Dennis Cornell (Chief Information Officer).
    Who is part of Defense Media Activity’s executive team?
    The executive team of Defense Media Activity includes leaders such as Elizabeth Hatcher (Deputy Chief Financial Officer), Christian Newton (Chief of Staff), Dennis Cornell (Chief Information Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Defense Media Activity have?
    Defense Media Activity has 4 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Defense Media Activity’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Defense Media Activity includes roles such as Deputy Chief Financial Officer, Chief of Staff, Chief Information Officer, Director, Mission Support Line of Business and Chief Technology Officer.