David Gauthier

David Gauthier is a senior associate with the Center for Strategic and International Studies’ Aerospace Security Project. He is also a visiting fellow for the National Security Institute at George Mason University. Mr. Gauthier is the chief strategy officer of GXO, Inc., a space technology consultancy, where he helps space industry leaders deliver sustainable national security solutions. Mr. Gauthier brings over 26 years of experience in U.S. national security as an intelligence officer, technology innovator, and strategic leader. Prior to his role with GXO, Inc., Mr. Gauthier served as the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency’s (NGA) director of commercial operations, responsible for discovering new commercial solutions and procuring over $500 million annually. Mr. Gauthier established and chaired the intelligence community’s Commercial Space Council, providing recommendations to the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI). He also served as NGA’s chief strategy officer, helping steer the agency’s digital transformation. Throughout his career, Mr. Gauthier led programs at NGA, ODNI, the Riverside Research Institute, DIA, and the U.S. Air Force, gaining expertise in space operations, all-source analysis, data processing, commercial remote sensing, and strategic intelligence. Mr. Gauthier holds MS degrees in aerospace engineering and telecommunications science from the University of Colorado Boulder and a BS degree in electrical engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. He is a graduate of leadership programs such as MIT Sloan Executive Education, DoD APEX, and Leading the IC, and is the recipient of several awards including a National Intelligence Professional Award, Meritorious Civilian Service Medal, and Presidential Rank Award.