President Joe Biden on April 21 nominated Stacey Dixon to serve as the principal deputy director of national intelligence.
Dixon has been the deputy director of the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency since July 1, 2019. In this role, she helped the director lead the agency and manage the National System for Geospatial Intelligence.
Dixon’s prior role was the director of the Intelligence Advanced Research Projects Activity, after serving as its deputy director from 2016-2018.
Before joining IARPA, Dixon was the deputy director of NGA’s research directorate. Prior to that, she served as NGA’s chief of congressional and intergovernmental affairs, and then deputy director of NGA’s corporate communications office.
From 2007-2010, she was a staff member for the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, and from 2003-2007, she worked for the CIA.
Dixon has a doctorate and a master’s degree in mechanical engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology, in addition to a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Stanford University.
Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines described Dixon as a “talented and innovative intelligence professional who has served in a variety of roles during her distinguished career in the Intelligence Community.”
“Dr. Dixon possesses a deep knowledge of the intelligence tradecraft and understands the critical work intelligence professionals perform every day,” Haines added. “I cannot think of a more exceptional leader to join the ODNI team and help set the strategic direction for the Intelligence Community.”
If confirmed, Dixon would be the highest-ranking Black woman in intelligence.