Our Team
Our team includes software developers, engineers, data scientists, human-centered designers, product managers, and digital experts from the private sector and government.
We currently have approximately 40 employees at DDS - a mix of civilian, military, and contractors - both in DC and around the country.
SOFTWARE, CLOUD, CYBER SECURITY & DATA ENGINEERS
Build functional, secure products that real people want to use and provide technical expertise on existing products, services, policies and strategies
PRODUCT MANAGERS
Set the strategy, roadmap, and feature definition for a product or service
UX DESIGNERS & RESEARCHERS
Research & understand user needs, and design human-centered product experiences and services
Who We Are
DDS is structured as a nimble, cross-functional team of technology experts to rapidly address critical IT challenges. This structure allows for quick deployment, collaboration across disciplines, and integration of best practices from the tech industry to improve government services. Its flexible, project-based approach enables DDS to tackle a wide variety of high-impact projects efficiently and effectively.
Leadership
Jennifer Hay
Director, Defense Digital Service + Chief Product Officer, Chief Digital and AI Office
Jennifer Hay is the Director of the Defense Digital Service (DDS) as well as the Chief Product Officer for the Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Office (CDAO). In this capacity, Jennifer is responsible for a team of highly experienced software and data engineers, data scientists, product managers, and user research designers with a proven track record of delivering software solutions in record time to the warfighter and the Department of Defense.
Allen Vance
Acting Deputy Director, Defense Digital Service
Allen Vance is the Acting Director of Defense Digital Service (DDS) in the Department of Defense’s Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Office (CDAO). In this capacity, Allen assists the Director with day-to-day operations and supports team members in their project work. In addition, Allen is the Portfolio Lead for the Hack the Pentagon program, DDS' long-standing 'bug bounty' series that uses the 'power of the crowd' to improve cybersecurity for the Department.
Alumni
Serving our country goes beyond mere obligation; it is a deeply personal and transformative experience that shapes not only our individual experiences but also the collective narrative of our society.
- Savanrith Kong
DDS was a life-changing experience. It was the highest impact work of my career, and it stretched me beyond my perceived limits. If you want a comfortable job, don’t apply to DDS.
- Scarlett Swerdlow
Coming from startups, I built many things that made the company money, but without broader impact. I joined DDS to have that effect, and to make tech better for everyone.
- Jordan Kasper