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Draft:Chandra L. Donelson

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Chandra L. Donelson
Personal details
BornTexarkana, Texas
EducationUnversity of Arkansas (BS)
Texas A&M University (MBA)

Chandra L. Donelson is an American expert in data governance and artificial intelligence (AI) who has held leadership roles within the U.S. Department of Defense. She has served as the acting Chief Data and AI Officer for the Department of the Air Force and the Space Data and AI Officer for the United States Space Force. Donelson is also an advocate for data literacy and diversity in technology and co-author of the children's book The Data Detective at the Carnival.

Education and Early Career

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Donelson was raised in Texarkana, Arkansas, and attended the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff on a track and field scholarship, earning a degree in Business Administration. During her time at the university, she enlisted in the United States Air Force, where she began her career in data and analytics.

She later earned a Master of Business Administration in Information Technology from Texas A&M University–Texarkana and a Master of Science in Data Science and Analytics from the University of Missouri.[1] At the University of Missouri, Donelson specialized in natural language processing and developed AI models to improve the efficiency of data analysis and intelligence reporting.

Department of the Army

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From 2017 to 2021, Donelson served as the Army Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) Data Manager for the Headquarters Department of the Army G-2. She later became the Deputy Chief Data Officer for the Army Intelligence Community, a position she held until 2023. In these roles, Donelson led initiatives such as the development of the Army Intelligence Community Data Strategy and the Army Data Literacy Program, which aimed to enhance data accessibility and analytics capabilities across Army intelligence.[2]

Department of the Air Force

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From March 2023 to October 2024, Donelson served as the acting Chief Data and AI Officer for the Department of the Air Force, overseeing data and AI initiatives for the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Space Force, impacting over 700,000 personnel.[3]

Donelson spearheaded the creation of CLARA, an AI governance tool that tracks and assesses AI projects to enhance transparency and ethical oversight. CLARA has been credited with improving accountability and operational efficiency within Air Force AI initiatives.[4]

She also served as the executive sponsor for NIPRGPT, a generative AI tool designed to streamline workflows for Airmen and Guardians, providing secure, conversational assistance for complex tasks.[5]

United States Space Force

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Since December 2023, Donelson has served as the Space Data and AI Officer for the United States Space Force. In this role, she is responsible for developing enterprise strategies for data management, analytics, and responsible AI implementation. She authored the United States Space Force Data and Artificial Intelligence FY 2024 Strategic Action Plan, which outlines the service’s roadmap for integrating AI and data into space operations.[6]

Advocacy and Publications

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In 2022, Donelson founded the Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia chapter of Women in Data, organizing events to empower women in the field of data and technology. She also co-authored the children's book The Data Detective at the Carnival with Jordan Morrow. Inspired by her experience explaining data concepts to her son during the COVID-19 pandemic, the book introduces foundational data literacy concepts through storytelling. It has been praised for its innovative approach to making data accessible to young readers.[7]

References

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  1. ^ "Chandra Donelson - govCDOiq.org". Retrieved November 29, 2024.
  2. ^ "Top Government Tech Leaders to Watch in 2023: Army's Chandra Donelson". Retrieved November 29, 2024.
  3. ^ "Air Force Names Chandra Donelson Acting Chief Data and AI Officer". Retrieved November 29, 2024.
  4. ^ "Air Force launches CLARA to strengthen AI governance". Retrieved November 29, 2024.
  5. ^ "Department of the Air Force launches NIPRGPT". Retrieved November 29, 2024.
  6. ^ "Space Force publishes Data, AI strategic action plan". Retrieved November 29, 2024.
  7. ^ "Chandra Donelson Brings Data Literacy to Classrooms with The Data Detective at the Carnival". Retrieved November 29, 2024.