Christopher O'Donnell
Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Acquisition
Christopher O’Donnell has served on the SAG since June 2023.
O’Donnell spent 39 years working in all phases of U.S. Department of Defense acquisition programs, retiring in 2023 after serving as the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense, Platform and Weapons Portfolio Management for four years. He spent the last two years of his career performing the duties of the Assistant Secretary of Defense, Acquisition and the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense, Acquisition. He also held the position of Executive Director of the Joint Rapid Acquisition Cell, providing solutions for hundreds of Joint Urgent Operation Needs and providing capabilities to our allies and partners.
He spent the early parts of his career leading the Joint Explosive Ordnance Disposal Research and Development Department and designing rocket motors and explosives.
O’Donnell earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from Clarkson University in 1984. He currently consults for government and the defense industry as the Acquisition Principal for O2 Defense LLC.