Lindenwood University today announced the appointment of Mark Munsell, a national security technology executive and St. Louis geospatial leader, as a "Distinguished Fellow of Artificial Intelligence."

In this role, Munsell will provide strategic guidance to the University's AI and GIS programs, mentor students, and help foster connections between Lindenwood, the federal government, and the region's burgeoning geospatial industry.

Munsell brings a wealth of experience from a distinguished career spanning public service, private industry, and entrepreneurship. He most recently served as the former Chief Technology Officer (CTO) and the first Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer (CAIO) at the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA). At NGA, he was responsible for the agency's overarching technology and AI strategies, overseeing a multi-billion dollar global IT operation and leading the integration of artificial intelligence to modernize the nation's intelligence capabilities.

Prior to his return to public service, Munsell was a successful entrepreneur, co-founding a software engineering business that he grew and successfully sold. His private sector experience also includes a role at Amazon Web Services (AWS), where he worked on cloud and data strategies.

A native of St. Louis, Munsell is deeply committed to the region's economic growth. He currently serves as the lead for the GeoFutures initiative at Greater St. Louis, Inc., where he is spearheading the region's strategic efforts to become a global hub for the geospatial ecosystem, attracting new businesses and talent to the area.

"We are incredibly honored to welcome Mark Munsell to Lindenwood University as a Distinguished Fellow," President Dr. John R. Porter said. "His unparalleled experience at the nexus of artificial intelligence, national security, private-sector innovation and entrepreneurship provides our students and faculty with a direct link to the highest levels of the field. His presence will be invaluable as we continue to build our AI programs to meet the demands of the future."

Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Kathi Vosevich is likewise enthusiastic. “Partnering with an expert who is the caliber of Mark is an amazing opportunity for the university, our students, and the region,” she said. “We are looking forward to all the possibilities as we prepare for any future!”

"I am thrilled to join Lindenwood University and contribute to its mission," said Munsell. "The St. Louis region is building something special in the geospatial and AI sectors, and Lindenwood is a critical partner in developing the next generation of talent. I look forward to working with the students and faculty, sharing my experiences, and helping to build the workforce that will lead this technological revolution."