Army DEVCOM hires first permanent CTO

The Army's Combat Capabilities Development Command recently hired its first permanent chief technology officer, according to a Jan. 3 announcement.

Charneta Samms, the new CTO, was most recently the chief of plans and programs at the Army Research Laboratory, one of DEVCOM’s facilities, according to the announcement. Samms previously held other leadership roles at the laboratory.

“I am excited about the opportunity to grow and shape the CTO role and office as the first permanent person in this position,” Samms said in the announcement. “We are focused on developing strategies needed to integrate science and technology across the command to ensure we execute our commander’s intent, which is laser-focused on the needs of the Army.”

Samms began the CTO position in August, according to her LinkedIn page.

DEVCOM is a subordinate unit to Army Futures Command, and it manages many of the service’s research centers. Making a permanent CTO role supports DEVCOM’s efforts to recruit and retain top scientific talent, according to the announcement.

The Army has adopted some job titles and practices from technology companies in recent years as it seeks to modernize its technology development. The service separated its chief information officer and deputy chief of staff (G-6) positions in 2020, and Futures Command officials often wear business casual clothing at their Austin, TX, headquarters.