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 Jay Meil, chief data scientist and vice president of AI and analytics at SAIC, and finalist in the Artificial Intelligence 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?
In 2024, I led initiatives that positioned SAIC as a leader in operational AI and advanced data science. We successfully deployed nine AI solutions into mission threads across the federal government, successfully solving some challenging large scale national security challenges. One of our programs became a top three funded initiative within an intelligence community partner agency, underscoring the critical value of our work.
I helped to secure SAIC’s inclusion in the NIST US AI Safety Institute consortium; and sit on the Security Industry Association AI Governance Board, roles that allow SAIC to help shape the future of AI governance and ethics. In addition to driving innovation within SAIC, I’ve made it a personal mission to make data science and machine learning more accessible across the government landscape, enabling operators and warfighters to perform self-service analytics through education, upskilling, and low code technological advances. I often work with academia and am an avid supporter of STEM activities and Hack a Thon events.
As a trusted agent and thought leader, I’ve participated in over 20 industry and government events as a panelist, moderator, and/or speaker, authored multiple government papers, and been cited in numerous media articles — further cementing my leadership in cutting-edge data science technology.
What are your primary focus areas going forward, and why are those so important to the mission?
As we move forward, my focus is on making sure that AI technology is designed in a way that works seamlessly with people, for people. The human machine team and augmentation of work, not replacement, is key. It’s not just about buying a tool and using it — every AI system needs to be carefully built to match the data it works with. That means the data must be cleaned, organized, and prepared before the AI can even start learning from it. But even after the system is deployed, we can’t just walk away. We need to continuously check, improve, and defend these systems to make sure they stay reliable, adaptable, and secure. By focusing on this holistic approach, we ensure that our AI solutions are not only powerful but also trustworthy and explainable for every user.
My goal is for SAIC to lead in creating AI that operators and analysts can trust, especially as we push the boundaries of defense against emerging threats in areas like adversarial AI. This focus is essential for gaining the confidence and buy-in of users.
What is your best career advice for those who want to follow in your footsteps?
Embrace a mindset of lifelong learning and adaptability. The fields of AI and data science are ever evolving, and staying relevant requires continuous education, whether through formal training or self-study. Don’t be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone — some of my most significant career advancements came when I accepted roles or projects that stretched my skills and perspectives. Building a diverse network is also crucial; collaboration is at the heart of innovation, and surrounding yourself with experts from various disciplines can lead to groundbreaking ideas.
My most successful programs have leveraged the collective knowledge of the government, industry, and academia. Lastly, maintain a sense of mission. In my work supporting the DoD and intelligence community, it’s the shared commitment to national security that drives me and my team to go the extra mile. If you keep your focus on the impact you want to achieve, the motivation to excel will follow naturally.
Fun Fact: What is something about you that most people do not know?
Many people are surprised to learn that, outside of my professional life, I’m an avid adventurer. I love fishing on the ocean bay, rivers, and streams, as well as taking boats out on the open water. I’ve even gone open-water diving with Galapagos and reef sharks, experiencing the thrill of nature’s wonders firsthand. Camping, hiking, and exploring the outdoors are my ways of staying grounded and connected to the world beyond technology.
I’m also passionate about drumming and enjoy going to live concerts whenever I can — there’s something about the energy of live music that is both exhilarating and therapeutic. The outdoors and music provide me with perspective and balance, serving as a reminder of the importance of being present, adapting to new environments, and embracing challenges — principles that resonate in my professional life as well.