Colonel Erica M. Mitchell is the Commander, Delta 26, Communications Systems Directorate, National Reconnaissance Office, Chantilly, Va. She commands 1,200+ personnel at 13 geographically dispersed squadrons and divisions, conducting 24/7 defensive cyber operations and maintenance for a $20+ B global communications network that supports Intelligence Surveillance, and Reconnaissance missions.

Prior to her current assignment, she served as Director, Cyber & Spectrum Operations Integration, U.S. Space Force, Pentagon, Arlington, Va. In this role, she provided advice to the Chief of Space Operations on U.S. Space Force cyber operations, space weapon system cybersecurity and resilience, electromagnetic spectrum operations, and satellite communications. Colonel Mitchell earned her commission through the United States Military Academy in 2001, transitioning from the Army to the Space Force in June 2023.

Colonel Mitchell’s career has run the gamut from tactical to strategic in operational units, DoD Agencies, academia, including multiple deployments and hardship tours. She has authored or co-authored multiple conference papers and journal articles on cybersecurity research topics. She has made several appearances on cybersecurity podcasts, forums, and at cybersecurity conferences as a speaker.