Who is NASA's new acting CAIO and CDO?
NASA names 17-year data veteran Kevin Murphy acting CAIO and CDO to lead AI use case reporting and supercomputing to Artemis missions.
NASA has named Kevin Murphy, a 17-year agency veteran, as acting Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer and Chief Data Officer. The dual appointment fills roles vacated by David Salvagnini, NASA's first-ever CAIO who announced his retirement after more than four decades of federal service.
Murphy assumed both acting positions on November 30, 2025, according to NASA spokesperson Jennifer Dooren. Most recently serving as Chief Science Data Officer within the Science Mission Directorate, Murphy led development of data, computing, and analytics capabilities across NASA's five science divisions.
His work advanced cloud computing, machine learning platforms, and data management systems supporting scientific and engineering innovation.
In addition to his science data leadership, Murphy oversees NASA's High-End Computing Capability portfolio. This supercomputing and data services program powers large-scale modeling, simulation, and analysis across exploration, science, and engineering missions.
Earlier in his NASA career, he managed data systems for Earth-observing satellite programs and established the Commercial Smallsat Data Acquisition Program, fostering industry partnerships for satellite data.
Murphy holds a master's degree in Geography from the University of Maryland and completed doctoral coursework there as well. His contributions earned him the NASA Exceptional Achievement Medal and the Charles S. Falkenberg Award recognizing excellence in Earth science data systems.
The leadership transition follows David Salvagnini's October 31 announcement entering the Deferred Resignation Program.
Salvagnini, who became NASA's inaugural CAIO in May 2024, reflected on LinkedIn saying, "NASA has been the pinnacle of my professional journey, driving innovation in data and AI, and working alongside some of the brightest minds in science and technology has been both an honor and a privilege. I am proud to have contributed to an organization that not only pushes the boundaries of what is possible but also inspires future generations to dream bigger and reach higher."
A retired Air Force communications officer with 21 years of service, Salvagnini brought extensive Intelligence Community experience to NASA after roles at Defense Intelligence Agency and IC's CIO office.
Murphy inherits critical responsibilities at a crucial moment. Federal agencies must soon disclose 2025 AI use case inventories, the first under Trump administration oversight. As acting CAIO, Murphy leads NASA's public reporting while maintaining HECC computing capacity for escalating mission demands.
Recent NASA AI achievements underscore the stakes. August 2025 partnership with Google developed natural language processing and machine learning for astronaut medical diagnostics during deep space missions.
IBM collaboration produced Surya, an open-source AI model predicting solar weather to protect satellites and critical technology. NASA's Open Science Initiative leverages AI to extract climate insights from Earth observation data.
Murphy's science-to-enterprise transition mirrors federal patterns consolidating AI and data leadership under single executives. His Commercial Smallsat experience positions NASA for accelerated industry partnerships supporting 2026 priorities.
The Artemis lunar return, Mars sample analysis, and expanded Earth science. The acting designation signals interim stability while NASA recruits permanent leadership
Key Takeaways
- NASA appointed Kevin Murphy as acting Chief AI Officer and Chief Data Officer.
- Murphy, a 17-year veteran, will lead AI and data initiatives at NASA.
- He previously advanced cloud, machine learning, and data management for NASA science.
- Murphy's expertise includes supercomputing and Earth-observing satellite data systems.