Terry Busch is the President and Chief Data Officer (CDO) of AI Research Corporation (AIR), where he leads efforts to pioneer foundational advancements in artificial intelligence, big data, and data science. With over 25 years of experience in developing and deploying cutting-edge advanced analytics and AI technologies, Terry has played a critical role in shaping intelligence capabilities across the U.S. defense and national security sectors.

Prior to his leadership at AIR, Terry was a senior executive in the intelligence community, serving as the Chief Data Officer and as a Chief Technology Officer at the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA), where he spearheaded enterprise-wide AI modernization and data strategy development. He was among the first to introduce and field artificial intelligence capabilities within the intelligence community (GOSSIP and REDLINE), applying computer vision and machine learning to automate intelligence analysis at scale. His groundbreaking work established AI-driven methodologies for pattern recognition, anomaly detection, and predictive analytics—revolutionizing how intelligence agencies process vast amounts of data. His contributions laid the foundation for the adoption of AI in intelligence, driving critical advancements in automated targeting, sensor fusion, and open-source intelligence.

Terry’s expertise spans artificial intelligence-driven analytics, machine learning, and big data analytics. His past work includes leading AI-based intelligence programs at the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI), where he leveraged computer vision, natural language processing, and data science methodologies to address some of the nation’s most critical hard target intelligence challenges. He has overseen the development of multiple big data platforms, including the first big-data open-source programs for the intelligence community, significantly advancing data integration, collection, and exploitation capabilities.

At AIR, Terry is collaboratively driving innovation in AI beyond traditional machine learning, focusing on complex mathematical challenges such as combinatorially explosive calculations, hybrid analytics, and quantum computing. His leadership ensures that AI Research Corporation remains at the forefront of solving the most critical intelligence gaps by integrating advanced computational methodologies into defense, security, and commercial applications.

Since leaving federal service, Terry has worked with industry and the Department of Defense on solutions and architectures to modernize DoD systems. His focus has been on sensor development, countering malign influence, and data management modernization, ensuring that DoD capabilities remain adaptive and technologically superior in an era of rapid global change.

In his earlier career Terry served as a senior intelligence officer, intelligence officer, and military geographer focused on using technology to overcome gaps in areas of critical intelligence and intelligence support to military operations. He is the recipient of multiple awards to include a National Intelligence Career Achievement Medal in 2009.

Terry holds a master’s degree in Geography from George Mason University and resides in Vienna, VA, with his wife, Linda, and their three dogs.