The Honorable Michael “Mike” Dodd serves as the Assistant Secretary of War for Critical Technologies (ASW(CT)) in the Office of the Under Secretary of War for Research and Engineering (USW(R&E)).
As ASW(CT), Dodd advises the USW(R&E) on all matters related to critical technologies and programs that enable the Department’s strategic guidance.  This responsibility extends to the development of strategies and roadmaps for the Department’s research, development, acquisition, and transition of critical technologies to create asymmetric advantages and military superiority for the Nation. 
Dodd currently oversees three Critical Technology Areas – Contested Logistics (LOG), Quantum Battlefield Information Dominance (QBID), and Scaled Directed Energy (SCADE) – and several enabling programs, including Microelectronics, Space Technology, Nuclear  Command, Control and Communications, Advanced Computing and Software, and Anomalous Health Incidents.  
Additionally, Dodd maintains R&E’s International Engagement portfolio and serves as the U.S. representative on the NATO DIANA Board of Directors.
Dodd also served as a Principal at Defense Innovation Unit, a DoD initiative that accelerates the development of dual-use technologies critical to our national security and economic competitiveness. At DIU, Dodd developed technology and market insight into autonomy, communications, power, sensors and space, microelectronics, hypersonics, among others. Dodd developed DIU’s market map and investment strategy and acted as the program manager for funding projects in which DIU negotiates development contracts, grants, loans, or loan guarantees with selected technology startup companies. Specific responsibilities included developing a market map and investment strategy for each of several technology areas of priority interest to DIU in line with defense modernization priorities, working with DoD/Government components to identify and document areas of future interest and need for hardware technologies and products to address DoD strategic priorities, and establishing and cultivating relevant contacts in the venture capital and startup worlds with respect to the selected priority areas. Mission partners included NSWC Crane, SOCOM/SOCPAC (Special Operations Command Pacific), TSOC (Theater Special Operations Command), INDOPACOM (Indo-Pacific Command) USARPAC (US Army Pacific), EUCOM and CENTCOM.
In the private sector, Dodd served as Founder and Advisory Board Chairman to a strategic advisory, consulting, and private investing firm. He has assisted dozens of clients win and perform on government contracts, with total contract values exceeding $8.2B. Dodd advised dozens of companies on all facets of business strategy, planning, development, management, marketing, directorship and obtaining access to capital. When a considerable gap in the marketplace was identified, he assisted incubation and investment in companies or created unique and disruptive solutions to industries.
Dodd was a strategic advisor to several prominent private equity venture capital funds with a defense portfolio focus on investing and building areas of defense crucial for the safety, stability, and security of the Western World. In this role, Dodd evaluated and recommended companies and their technologies for the areas of interest in the defense portfolio, inclusive of autonomous systems, software-enabled hardware, next-gen logistics, advanced materials, and command and control interoperability. Additionally, Dodd directly advised multiple defense portfolio companies to shepherd them through the Department of Defense (DoD) acquisition process.
Dodd is a proud retired Mustang Marine Corps Infantry Officer, serving with distinction in the Corps for 11 years.  He held leadership roles as a Rifle Platoon Commander, Rifle Company Executive Officer, Officer in Charge for the 1st Marine Division Scout Sniper School, and Operations Officer for the 1st Marine Reconnaissance Company before service-related injuries led to his early retirement. 
In March 2025, Dodd was nominated by President Trump to serve as the ASW(CT), and he was confirmed by the Senate on Sept. 18, 2025.