She is on track to become the highest-ranking Black woman in the entire U.S. intelligence community — and her rise is nothing short of historic.

Dr. Stacey A. Dixon has been nominated by President Biden to serve as the No. 2 intelligence official in the United States, a move that would make her the highest-ranking Black woman ever to serve in the intelligence community. As reported by The New York Times (The New York Times), she would also become the first Black person in history appointed to such a senior leadership role.

Dr. Dixon’s path to this moment is marked by decades of technical excellence, leadership, and groundbreaking contributions. She holds a doctorate in mechanical engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology, one of the nation’s top engineering institutions. Her federal career began at the Central Intelligence Agency, where she built her foundation in intelligence operations before transitioning to the National Reconnaissance Office, the agency responsible for overseeing America’s network of spy satellites.

Her reputation only grew from there. Dr. Dixon later led research and development for the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, guiding advanced projects involving mapping, surveillance, and satellite imaging. In 2016, she joined the Intelligence Advanced Research Projects Activity (IARPA)—the intelligence community’s counterpart to DARPA—where she swiftly rose from deputy director to director. Most recently, she has been serving as the deputy director of the Department of Defense’s Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, reinforcing her standing as one of the intelligence community’s most respected technical minds.

Avril D. Haines, the Director of National Intelligence, praised her nomination, saying Dr. Dixon brings “deep knowledge of the intelligence tradecraft” and understands the critical work intelligence professionals perform every day.

President Biden’s nomination would place Dixon in the role of Principal Deputy Director of National Intelligence, the second-highest position in the entire intelligence hierarchy. If confirmed, she would play a key role in shaping the administration’s focus on technology innovation—especially in areas like data collection, cyber capabilities, and long-term intelligence research, which have become central in the nation’s competition with China.

The position has been vacant since 2019, when Sue Gordon left the role under the Trump administration. Gordon herself applauded Dixon’s nomination, noting, “This is a technical world, and she’s got the technical chops to deliver… She delivers inclusive leadership based on ensuring equal access and equal opportunity.”

Securing congressional approval will require navigating complex budget pressures and political priorities. But Dixon is no stranger to Capitol Hill. She previously served as head of congressional affairs at the Geospatial-Intelligence Agency and worked as budget director for the House Intelligence Committee from 2008 to 2010—experience that gives her rare insight into both intelligence operations and the legislative process.

Representative Adam B. Schiff, the chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, also praised the nomination, saying she “did outstanding work with the committee” and expressing hope for a swift confirmation.

Dr. Stacey A. Dixon’s decades-long career demonstrates what can happen when technical brilliance, public service, and strong leadership converge. Her appointment would mark a historic milestone for both the intelligence community and the nation.

Congratulations, Dr. Dixon!