Technovation with Peter High (CIO, CTO, CDO, CXO Interviews) Inside the U.S. Department of State’s AI and Cyber Resilience Transformation
Sep 29, 2025
Dr. Kelly Fletcher, Chief Information Officer of the U.S. Department of State, leads secure technology initiatives for 100,000 users across the globe. She discusses the vital role of operational excellence and cybersecurity, especially in response to recent hacks. AI tools like StateChat and DocuChat are transforming diplomatic workflows by reducing manual tasks. Kelly also highlights the importance of low-earth orbit satellite communications for connectivity and shares her insights on fostering experimentation and collaboration across agencies.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Pocket SATCOM Changed Connectivity
- Dr. Kelly Fletcher described deploying low-earth-orbit SATCOM terminals that fit on a dinner plate and plug into a car socket.
- Hundreds of users can get reliable internet in places where local ISPs are unreliable or governments shut off service.
Centralizing Diplomatic Technology
- Diplomatic Technology now manages over 90% of the department's technologists, consolidating previously federated IT.
- Embedding technologists centrally increases efficiency but requires intentional engagement with functional owners.
DT Chiefs Are Local Multipurpose Technologists
- The State Department places a technologist in nearly every country who also often runs other embassy functions like the mailroom.
- Roles vary from high-level AI adoption support to hands-on hardware work depending on local infrastructure needs.
