Home: Carmel, IN. Age: I’m on the Back Nine. Profession: National Security & Defense Innovation. Organization: Department of Defense. Title: Principal. Significant other: My wife of 27 years, Melanie Dodd. Alma mater: The Catholic University of America.
Current project: The MACH-TB program: advancing hypersonic testing capabilities of next-generation high-speed systems. Recent recognition: Trump taps ‘The DoddFather’ to oversee critical technologies at the Pentagon. Latest accomplishment: Contributed to successful engagements, culminating in a $2.2B microelectronics contract and a tech hub in Indiana. Hobbies: Physical fitness, history, golf, anything outdoors. Recent travel or adventure: I traveled through Italy, visiting Rome, Venice, and Florence
What one word would your closest friend use to describe you? Loyal. Moral compass: Do not lie, cheat or steal, nor tolerate those who do. How do you define an ideal business relationship? To only do things with people that we like and admire, trust and respect. What word or phrase do you use far too often? Slow is smooth and smooth is really fast. What is your favorite place (or way) to spend money? Investing in no-fee index funds, and a few early-stage technology companies. What is at the top of your bucket list? Someday owning a ranch. How do you relieve stress? Prayer and physical fitness.
What was your first paying job? United States Marine Corps. What was your favorite college course? Constitutional History. What book have you repeatedly read? Principles, by Ray Dalio. What’s prominently featured on your home or office wall? The American flag. What’s the best advice you received in your career? You are the sum of the five closest people around you; always try to be the newbie in the group. What is your go-to source of creative inspiration? National parks.
What change are you working on to effect in your profession or field?
Accelerate U.S. innovation and integration in hypersonics and microelectronics.
What mega-trend most excites you? Compelling crossroads and capabilities of AI. What mega-trend most concerns you? Nefarious usage of AI.
What title would you choose for the movie about your life? The Doddfather. Who would you like to spend an evening with, in heaven? Jesus, the 12 disciples… and my mom (what a dinner party!). As a kid, what did you first want to be when you grew up? U.S. Marine. What advice would you give your younger self? Start dollar-cost averaging investing into no-fee index funds early. Consistency over time will beat trying to time the market every time.
Personal motto: Associate with people you like, admire, trust, and respect. Favorite quote: “The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?” (Psalm 27:1).
