The finalists for WashingtonExec’s 2024 Pinnacle Awards were announced Sept. 20, and we’ll be highlighting some of them until the event takes place live, in-person Nov. 21.
Next is Christopher Bogdan, executive vice president at Booz Allen Hamilton and finalist in the Space Executive of the Year, Public Company, category. Here, he talks about recent achievements, shares career advice and more.
What key achievements did you have in 2024?
I led the advancement of Booz Allen’s Space business across Booz Allen’s three sectors — Global Defense Sector, Civil Sector and National Security Sector — to collectively support the government’s space missions. Led the deployment of what is believed to be the first large language model in space which aims to enable astronauts to use generative AI without depending on Earth-bound internet in the power and communications constrained environment of space.
I convened the first ever Space + AI Summit bringing together 700+ thought leaders across the government, industry, and academia conducting timely policy and technical discussions on the intersection of Space and AI in alignment with the President’s Executive Order on Responsible AI across defense, intelligence, and civilian space agencies.
What are your primary focus areas going forward, and why are those so important to the mission?
The proliferation of space data and the evolution of large, multi-satellite constellations has put a premium on the ability to rapidly and securely turn data into actionable information on-orbit to enhance decision making and space defense, and to automate C2 and mission management of complex constellations.
As the architect of Booz Allen’s space strategy, Chris is driving innovation with the use of cyber, on-orbit AI, automation, and data analytics to speed decision making in the areas of Space Domain Awareness, Space Battle Management and ISR/Earth Observation. He is also transforming Booz Allen into a leading technical integrator of complex space systems and ground systems for our space clients including the US Space Force, NASA, NOAA, and the Intelligence Community.
What is your best career advice for those who want to follow in your footsteps?
Talent alone is not enough, you must work, work, work; do the best job you can, no matter how big or small. Dream big and never give up.
Fun Fact: What is something about you that most people do not know?
I was a walk-on Ice Hockey goaltender at the Air Force Academy and still have all my teeth. I have also flown over 30 different kinds of airplanes as an Air Force test pilot.