Defense Media Activity Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

Defense Media Activity has 4 executives leading key functions including strategy, information technology, finance, and technology.

Driven by a commitment to informing global audiences, Defense Media Activity preserves visual records and trains public affairs professionals, serving as the DoD's direct communication channel for news and information to U.S. forces worldwide.

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, manages and directs the organization's financial operations and fiscal strategy. Overseeing budgetary allocations and financial planning, Hatcher ensures the efficient allocation of resources to support the agency's mission of informing Department of Defense audiences worldwide. This leadership position involves rigorous financial oversight, compliance with governmental regulations, and the development of sound fiscal policies. By optimizing financial processes, Elizabeth Hatcher directly contributes to the sustained operational capacity of Defense Media Activity's diverse media outlets, including radio, TV, and digital platforms. The Deputy Chief Financial Officer's role is integral to preserving the Department of Defense's visual information records and supporting the training initiatives for public affairs and visual information professionals. Hatcher's financial acumen underpins the agency's ability to execute its communication mandate effectively.

    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 globally. This leadership role involves coordinating departmental efforts, managing key projects, and facilitating communication between various divisions. By optimizing internal processes, Christian Newton directly supports the delivery of news and information to U.S. forces deployed worldwide. The Chief of Staff's responsibilities extend to enhancing the efficiency of media outlets, including radio, TV, and digital platforms, ensuring comprehensive coverage and engagement with military personnel on land, sea, and air. Newton's strategic oversight guarantees that Defense Media Activity maintains its position as the DoD's primary communication conduit.

    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, Cornell ensures robust and secure systems that support the dissemination of news and information to U.S. forces globally. This critical role involves managing the technological backbone for media outlets, including radio, television, and emerging digital platforms. By driving innovation in IT solutions, Dennis Cornell directly enhances Defense Media Activity's capacity to reach audiences on land, sea, and air. The Chief Information Officer's responsibilities include safeguarding the Department of Defense's visual information records and facilitating the training of public affairs professionals through advanced technological resources. Cornell's leadership ensures the agency remains at the forefront of communication technology, supporting its mission to keep DoD audiences informed.
    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 the integration of technology solutions to bolster mission support functions. Overseeing the development and implementation of cutting-edge technological strategies, Hopwood ensures that Defense Media Activity's communication capabilities effectively reach U.S. forces globally. This dual role involves driving technological advancements across all media platforms, from traditional radio and television to emerging digital channels, thereby enhancing the dissemination of news and information. By championing technological innovation, Christopher Hopwood directly supports the preservation of the Department of Defense's visual information records and the training of its public affairs professionals. The Chief Technology Officer's strategic vision ensures the agency's technological infrastructure remains robust, secure, and adaptable to evolving communication needs, reinforcing its role as the DoD's primary information conduit.

    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.