Tim Persons, Former Chief Scientist of the Government Accountability Office
CCFR’s recent programs have increasingly touched on the impact of technology on foreign relations: cyber, open intelligence and growing geographic precision, among other topics. The news from Ukraine reinforces the impression that technology may be changing the nature of war. As our May speaker has written, advancing technology will increase “the attack surface, complexity, and dynamism of the U.S. foreign policy landscape in the coming few decades (i.e. generative AI, contested space, biologic gain of function, etc.)”
Dr. Timothy M. Persons’s insights were gained in his role through 2022 as the Chief Scientist and Managing Director of the Science, Technology Assessment, and Analytics team of the Government Accountability Office. In addition to leading advanced data analytic activities at GAO, he also directed its science, technology, and engineering portfolio.
In these roles he led a large, diverse interdisciplinary team which advised Congress on topics such as artificial intelligence, advanced data analytics, sustainable chemistry, biosafety and biosecurity, 3D printing, nanomanufacturing, and homeland security systems/technologies, among others. Prior to joining GAO, Dr. Persons served as the Technical Director for the Intelligence Advanced Research Projects Activity (IARPA).
Dr. Persons received the GAO’s Big Picture Award in 2012 and 2010 for significant project achievement involving the ability to look longer, broader, and more strategically at key national or global issues. He is a 2014 recipient of GAO’s Distinguished Service Award, and a 2012 recipient of the Arthur S. Flemming award in recognition of sustained outstanding and meritorious achievement within the U.S. federal government.
Dr. Persons earned his B.Sc. (Physics) from JMU, a M.Sc. (Nuclear Physics) from Emory University, and a M.Sc. (Computer Science) and Ph.D. (Biomedical Engineering) degrees from Wake Forest University. He is a senior member of the Institute for Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) and has served on numerous industry and advisory boards.