Cameron Stanley, the Department of War’s newly appointed chief digital and artificial intelligence officer, is calling on industry partners to play a more active role in delivering innovative technology platforms as the Pentagon advances its AI strategy.
According to Stanley, DOW is looking for solutions that address a wide range of potential problems, including new ideas and innovative approaches to solving those challenges.
Stanley’s emphasis on industry-driven innovation and execution aligns with broader conversations taking place across the federal AI community, including those expected at the Potomac Officers Club’s 2026 Artificial Intelligence Summit on March 18. The event will bring together senior government and industry leaders to examine how AI, data and emerging technologies are shaping mission outcomes across the federal enterprise. Registration is now open for executives looking to engage in these critical discussions and connect with leaders driving AI adoption across government.
What Are Cameron Stanley’s Thoughts on OTAs & Other Contracting Methods?
He noted that other transaction authorities and other unique contracting mechanisms will help the department reach some companies, while creativity on the execution side will be needed to deliver solutions faster, better and more effectively than in the past.
His remarks come on the heels of the release of the Pentagon’s updated AI strategy and a speech delivered Monday by Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, a previous Wash100 awardee, at SpaceX headquarters in Texas.
Stanley, a member of the 4×24 Leadership Program, recorded this video for Executive Mosaic at a 4×24 dinner held earlier this week.
Who Is Cameron Stanley?
Stanley assumed the CDAO role at the Pentagon on Monday. In this capacity, he will advance the department’s adoption of data, analytics and AI to achieve decision advantage.
He most recently served as national security digital transformation lead at Amazon Web Services.
Before joining AWS, he served as chief data officer within the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence and Security and head of the Algorithmic Warfare Cross Functional Team, also known as Project Maven.
The U.S. Air Force Academy graduate also served as U.S. Southern Command’s senior science and tech adviser and chief of the Joint Improvised-Threat Defeat Organization Technology Strategy Division.
What Is the 4×24 Leadership Program?
Executive Mosaic’s 4×24 Leadership Program is an elite GovCon networking community designed for senior executives focused on strengthening industry relationships and gaining federal insight to support strategic growth.
The application-based program brings together a select group of government contracting leaders for engagement with federal officials and peers through monthly summits, intimate executive dinners and year-round visibility across EM’s media platforms, supporting strategy, growth and mission alignment.
At the recent 4×24 dinner, Stanley discussed how the program fosters an environment for intimate conversations among industry participants and government executives. He noted that his past engagement with 4×24 broadened his understanding of both industry activities and the perspectives of senior government leaders.
He added that he hopes to use those discussions to better understand the challenges and problems identified by the industry that he can address within the department.
