Top AI Execs to Watch in 2025

Rick Hubbard

Chief Engineer for Advanced Mission Solutions & Lead for the Autonomy, Artificial Intelligence, and Machine Learning Lab, Core4ce

Rick Hubbard’s biggest achievement was establishing a cross-disciplinary team of researchers and scientists to tackle some of the most difficult AI problems facing the Defense Department and the intelligence community through the Autonomy, Artificial Intelligence, and Machine Learning Lab.

One of his team’s major accomplishments was the development of an AI-enabled acquisition and contracting platform for the U.S. Air Force. This platform will enable the Air Force to acquire high-technology products at the speed of relevance and improve on their current average acquisition by years.

Why Watch

In 2025, Hubbard’s team is focused on advancing projects that will have an immediate effect on the overall readiness of warfighters so they can best meet the challenges of the future battlespace. This includes revolutionizing basic military training for the U.S. Space Force by incorporating technologies such as AI into exercises and course curricula to create Guardians trained and prepared for global conflicts in the 21st century.

Hubbard and his AAIM Lab team drive innovation across government programs that may seem unrelated but all rely on technology to boost efficiency and readiness, said Valerie Rossi, senior vice president of advanced mission solutions at Core4ce.

“From our storied materials research work to our recent wins in support of acquisition/contracting and military training – Rick and team have ensured our customer needs are met and that warfighters receive state-of-the-art support,” Rossi said. “Their work is exciting and we’re proud to tout it. Rick has built an exceptional team with a creative mindset—honestly, the possibilities are endless.”

Fun fact: Hubbard played collegiate rugby at Ohio State University and later joined the Columbus Castaways, a premier Division 3 and 4 men’s rugby team in Columbus, Ohio. He was part of the club’s first championship team.