Mike Dodd

Mike Dodd serves as the Acting Deputy Director of the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU). DIU is a direct channel between the Pentagon and the commercial technology sector. In this role, Dodd oversees the acceleration and adoption of emerging technologies that fill critical gaps for the warfighter into the U.S. military, while also strengthening partnerships with allies.  

With over 25 years in the defense and finance industries, Dodd has advised a wide array of companies on all facets of business strategy, planning,  development, management, marketing, directorship, and obtaining access to capital. In  the private sector, he led companies to win over $2.2B in government contracts.  

A retired Mustang Marine Corps Infantry officer, Dodd served with distinction in the Marine  Corps for 11 years. He held leadership roles as a rifle platoon commander, rifle company  executive officer, OIC for the 1st Marine Division scout sniper school and operations  officer of the 1st Marine Reconnaissance Company before service related injuries led to  his early retirement. In March of 2025, Dodd was nominated by President Trump to serve  as the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Critical Technologies under the Office of the  Undersecretary of Defense for Research and Engineering.