Stanford University graduate Stacey A. Dixon is on the cusp of making history. After receiving a nomination from President Joe Biden, Dixon is poised to become the next principal deputy director of National Intelligence. If confirmed by the U.S. Senate, she would be the highest-ranking Black woman in the National Intelligence sector. In this position, she would work to expand tech intelligence innovation.
“Dr. Stacey Dixon is a talented and innovative intelligence professional who has served in a variety of roles during her distinguished career in the Intelligence Community," Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines said.
Dixon got her start at Stanford University as a mechanical engineering student. After getting a degree from the prestigious university, she obtained a Ph.D. from the Georgia Institute of Technology. For the majority of her professional career, Johnson has worked at the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency. Over the course of ten years, she worked her way from congressional affairs chief to deputy director. Dixon also has three years of experience at the Intelligence Advanced Research Projects Activity.
“Dr. Dixon possesses a deep knowledge of the intelligence tradecraft and understands the critical work intelligence professionals perform every day. I cannot think of a more exceptional leader to join the ODNI team and help set the strategic direction for the Intelligence Community," Haines added.
Dixon is one of three nominations that Biden made in late April. The President also nominated Rena Bitter for Assistant Secretary of State of Consular Affairs. Meanwhile, Ely Ratner was nominated for Assistant Secretary of Defense of Indo-Pacific Security Affairs. All nominations have to be confirmed by Congress later this year.
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