ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, Md. — Dr. Allison Marier is the U.S. Army Communications-Electronics Command’s first chief data analytics officer. With over 15 years of experience in data analytics and a background in both military and civilian sectors, Marier is equipped to lead CECOM into a new era of data-driven innovation.
As the CDAO, Marier leads CECOM in adopting data, analytics, and artificial intelligence to enhance decision-making and operational capabilities. Marier’s executive duties involve data strategy, governance, and literacy. Her technical tasks focus on solving problems with technology and using the data analytics tools she has developed.
Marier, part of CECOM G6, aims to increase data visibility. She identifies where users get data and ensures its quality.
Marier’s other goal is to improve decision-making. She explained that having information readily available before you need it makes decision-making much quicker and easier compared to having to request the information and wait for it to be gathered.
As the CDAO, Marier gives regular updates to the CECOM Commanding General, Maj. Gen. James D. Turinetti IV. Marier said Turinetti is excited about digital transformation and how it can be incorporated at CECOM.
“People are understanding how much power real data has, how much power words have...it is all aligning,” she said. “AI is kind of like the cherry on top of a massive sundae, and people are realizing the cherry is great, but unless you have the massive sundae in order, the rest of it isn’t so helpful. We are truly in an information age right now, which is what excites me.”
Marier assists the CECOM G6 team with Tech Talk Tuesdays. These sessions provide the CECOM workforce with insight into current technologies and emerging strategies, with a focus on practical tools. More information about Tech Talk Tuesdays can be found on the CECOM G6 SharePoint site.
Marier said her most significant achievement in her current role is the creation of a data analytics registry, which encourages collaboration and engagement among data professionals within the Army.
Advancements in technology create opportunities
Marier is enthusiastic about the advancements in artificial technology and data technology, noting the potential for personal and professional improvement.
“What excites me is this period of change; it feels like a roller coaster, and there is no point in being scared of it because it is going to happen anyway. You might as well just be excited about it and lean into the opportunities that these changes present,” Marier said.
Marier mentioned that she uses AI in her personal life to assist with decision-making and encourages others to do the same to become more comfortable with using AI. She said older adults tend to use AI like Google, but AI tools can do so much more.
“We know that it is not a good job market out there, but the difference between, in my view, someone who succeeds and doesn’t succeed in the job market is the person who knows how to use these tools actively,” she said. “Uses them to hone their own their own skills on the fly, versus someone who is kind of... aware of it.”
Marier encourages employees to become comfortable with A.I. Flow, which is available to the entire CECOM workforce. A.I. Flow enhances efficiency, enables teams to collaborate, and allows users to upload documents securely. Other AI tools recommended for civilian use include Ask Sage, CamoGPT, and Vantage.
Motivated by new challenges
Marier, originally from Pendleton, Oregon, holds a doctorate and a master’s degree in economics from Syracuse University, as well as a Bachelor of Science degree in applied mathematics and computer science from the Colorado School of Mines.
Before joining CECOM, she worked at the Department of the Army Headquarters, specifically in the Division of Enterprise Management and the Performance Analytics Division, as a principal data scientist.
Marier is motivated by the excitement of new challenges and the potential for positive change. She advises those interested in a similar career path to be flexible, willing to demonstrate and teach, and to lean into all aspects of the job.
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