b'InsightsLeveraging Data as a Strategic Asset: Insights from Caroline Kuharske, Acting Chief Data Officer, Defense Information Systems AgencyBy Michael J. KeeganThe Defense Information SystemsWould you provide us an overview of the history Agency (DISA) is considered theand mission of DISA?nations premiere IT combat support agency and the trusted provider toDISA has been providing communication system support connect and protect the warfighter insince the 1960s. It was originally known as the Defense cyberspace. DISA provides, operates,Communications Agency (DCA). The creation of the agency and assures command and controlwas to designate a needed strong focal point for DoD (C2), information-sharing capabilities,development, integration, and operation of ground and and a globally accessible enterprise information networksatellite-based communications initiatives. DCA grew over the that directly supports the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD)decades and supported many military efforts such as Desert and its services.Storm and Desert Shield. In those operations, it provided long-haul network support, voice switches, technical control We have supported and enhanced, explains Carolinefacilities, and many other data support elements. Kuharske, acting chief data officer, the overall communication infrastructure at a global scale to supportAround 1990, DCA underwent a major reorganization and the warfighters. It operates in 4,300 locations and nintywas renamed the Defense Information Systems Agency to nations worldwide with a workforce of more than 14,000reflect its expanded role in implementing the DoDs CIM and an annual budget of more than $8 billion. DISA(Corporate Information Management) initiative, and to clearly continues to prioritize C2, drives force readiness throughidentify DISA as a combat support agency. Since then, innovation, leverages data as a center of gravity, andwe have supported and continue to enhance, the overall harmonizes cybersecurity and the user experience. It alsocommunication infrastructure, at a global scale to support our works to strengthen the security and resilience of networkswarfighters, the Secretary of Defense, the White House, and and systems that enable U.S. military advantages.all the other DoD information networks support elements. Caroline joined me on The Business of Government HourWhy was the Chief Data Office established? to discuss the establishment of DISAs Chief Data Office,Where does it fit within the DISA organizational its evolving data strategy, data management activities,structure?knowledge management, and how DISA is leveraging data as a strategic asset. The following is an edited excerpt ofIn 2021, DISA created the Chief Data Office (CDO). our discussion, complemented with updated and additionalWhile weve been using and managing data and pursuing research. different data initiatives, we never had a dedicated office focused on dealing with data requests and information sharing. The DISA CDO portfolio consists of two branches. 52 www.businessofgovernment.org The Business of Government'