The U.S. Space Force’s first-ever chief technology and innovation officer, Lisa Costa, is retiring from public service, she announced on Tuesday in a post on LinkedIn.
“After an extraordinary journey spanning decades, I have officially retired from government service,” she wrote. “Starting with the intelligence community, helping stand up United States Special Operations Command, and concluding as a plank holder of the United States Space Force, it has been an honor to serve at the three-star equivalency level and contribute to our nation’s security.”
Costa took charge of the Space Force’s Chief Technology and Innovation Office in 2021, where she was tasked with devising strategies and policies to boost research, development, testing, and evaluation within the service.
During her tenure, Costa focused on implementing cutting-edge technology to ensure the Space Force had a competitive edge against U.S. adversaries. That work included setting up a cloud-based data repository to consolidate information from government and commercial sensors and modernizing systems to leverage artificial intelligence tools to streamline access to the critical data.
“From helping define the role of Special Operations in the War on Terror to shaping homeland defense and bringing irregular warfare to space, my career has been marked by pivotal roles and groundbreaking initiatives,” she wrote. “Leading innovation and operationalizing AI, cyber operations, and space has been truly rewarding.”
Before joining the Space Force, Costa served as the chief information officer and director of communications systems for U.S. Special Operations Command. Costa has also held several roles for private organizations including Engility Corp., PlanetRisk, and MITRE.
Costa did not provide more details about future plans in her LinkedIn post.
Col. Nathan Iven, who previously served as Costa’s deputy, has been appointed acting chief technology and innovation officer until the position is filled, as stated on his LinkedIn profile.
