Jim Ford

KEYNOTE SPEAKER

Jim Ford
Microsoft

im Ford is the Director of Federal Partner Solutions at Microsoft since April 2024. He leads efforts to enhance collaboration and innovation in the federal sector, leveraging his strong background in strategic leadership and technology integration. Jim has extensive experience in Big Data Analytics, Complex System Analysis, Product Development, and Cloud Architecture. He has worked with senior officials in National Security, Defense, Intelligence, and Homeland Security affairs and has lived and worked abroad.

Prior to his current role, Jim was the President and Chief Strategy Officer at Semantic AI from July 2022 to April 2024, where he drove a remarkable 60% year-over-year revenue growth and achieved the company’s first cash flow positive year since 2016. He also led the integration of advanced technologies such as generative AI into the CortexEIP flagship platform.

From June 2016 to July 2022, Jim held various roles at Microsoft, where he applied his expertise in digital transformation and innovation to the defense and intelligence sectors. He led the development and implementation of several initiatives that demonstrated the capabilities and benefits of advanced technologies such as AI, machine learning, and cloud architecture. He also built and maintained long-term partnerships with over 40 DoD and IC organizations.

From August 2010 to June 2016, Jim served as an Intelligence Officer/Chief Architect/Program Lead at the Joint Interagency Task Force – National Capital Region, where he developed a multi-tenant full stack cloud architecture for US Special Operations Command. He also led submarine operations and coordinated intelligence efforts as an Intelligence Officer/International Programs Officer at Commander, US Navy Forces Europe/Africa/Sixth Fleet from August 2007 to July 2010.

Jim’s earlier career includes founding the TRIDENT Intelligence Support Cell at the Office of Naval Intelligence and leading operational military teams in high-risk special operations at Naval Special Warfare Group ONE. He has also provided strategic and operational intelligence support during deployments with Commander, US Navy Sixth Fleet, and led intelligence operations at the SJFHQ Regional Joint Operational Intelligence Center.

Jim has received numerous awards and commendations for his leadership, innovation, and operational excellence, including the Legion of Merit, the US Navy Intelligence Officer of the Year, the Office Naval Intelligence Excellence in Leadership Award, the Edwin R. Layton Award for Leadership, and the Champion Award from Microsoft. He has also been selected for the COMMIT Foundation Facebook Leadership Conference and nominated for the US Special Operations Command’s Dr. Christian J. Lambertsen Award for Operational Innovation.