Governing Body Spotlight

Chris Mattmann is the inaugural Chief Data and Artificial Intelligence Officer (CDAIO) at UCLA, a first of its kind position in the UC system. In this role he collaborates with key stakeholders to develop the strategy and roadmap for data and artificial intelligence (AI) innovations. Before UCLA, Chris was the Division Manager of the Artificial Intelligence, Analytics and Innovative Development Organization at NASA JPL. He was the Chief Technology and Innovation Officer and reported to the CIO. He recently finished a nearly 24 year career at JPL where he conceived, realized and delivered the architecture for the next generation of reusable science data processing systems for NASA's Orbiting Carbon Observatory, NPP Sounder PEATE, and the Soil Moisture Active Passive (SMAP) Earth science missions. Mattmann's work has been funded by NASA, DARPA, DHS, NSF, NIH, NLM and by private industry and commercial partnerships. 

A few fun facts about Chris, he loves college football, high school football and most sports.He is a dad of 3 – two boys and one girl, a dedicated husband, and a member of the Southern California tech community. 

Learn more about the Southern California CDAO community here.
 

Give us a brief overview of the path that led to your current role.

Long story! My favorite explanation of it is in this podcast.
 

What is one of your guiding leadership principles?

Own your area; Develop people and talent; Succeed together.
 

What is the greatest challenge facing CDAOs today, and how are you addressing it?

Defining the role and expectations for AI officers.
 

How do you measure success as a leader?

By the people that show up to the battle to support you.
 

Gartner C-level Communities Governing Body members share their insights and leadership perspectives to shape the agendas and topics that address the top priorities impacting business leaders today.
 

By CDAOs, For CDAOs®
 

Join the conversation with peers in your local CDAO community.