Adele Merritt
Intelligence Community Chief Information Officer, Office of Director of National Intelligence
Adele Merritt’s biggest recent achievement was the publication of the inaugural “Vision for the IC Information Environment: An Information Technology Roadmap” in May 2024. Co-signed by the Director of National Intelligence, the roadmap presents a unified vision for investments the intelligence community must make to continue to provide the U.S. with unmatched decision advantage at a time of unprecedented technological change.
Over 100 technical leaders across the IC developed the roadmap’s recommendations, and all 18 intelligence elements unanimously endorsed this vision. The time is now for strategic and substantial investment in the core IT infrastructure of the IC.
“We need clear and strong priorities bolstered by a vision that promotes long-term enterprise resilience,” Merritt said. “I am proud to say that we built a vision that has the bold and transformational steps we must take to be ready for the future when it arrives to stay ahead of threats and capitalize on rapidly-emerging technologies.”
Why Watch
In 2024, the Office of the IC CIO team is heavily focused on implementing its IT roadmap, Merritt said. Technology never stands still. Evolving and disruptive technologies such as artificial intelligence and quantum computing provide opportunities and challenges for everyone. CIOs, CDOs and other tech leaders are constantly striving to navigate this ever-changing environment and improve our capabilities so the U.S. can maintain an advantage over its rivals.
Fun fact: When she was first starting in leadership positions, a mentor recommended Merritt find a hobby where the results of her efforts were visible and touchable. “As knowledge workers, we often create amazing ephemeral or intangible results,” she said. “Since then, I have turned to crafts. I currently crochet my stress into beautiful baby blankets.”