Mark Lewis, director of defense research and engineering for modernization at the Department of Defense (DoD), has been appointed to serve as undersecretary of defense for research and engineering on a temporary acting basis, Defense News reported Friday. Lewis temporarily replaces Mike Griffin, two-time Wash100 Award recipient who is leaving DoD for a commercial pursuit alongside Lisa Porter, the latter's deputy.
Lewis' term as the R&E undersecretary will run as long as the department has still not designated an official acting officer for the role, said Lt. Col. Robert Carver, a DoD spokesperson.
In his current role, Lewis manages DoD's investments in modernization priorities such as artificial intelligence, 5G connectivity, directed energy, space, hypersonics and biotechnology. He also served at advisory boards of various federal entities such as NASA and the U.S. Air Force.
