AFCEA/USNI WEST 2026

Colin Crosby, Ph.D.
Marine Corps’ Service Data Officer (SDO)
and Deputy DON Chief Data Officer (CDO)


Colin Crosby is serving as the Marine Corps’ Service Data Officer (SDO) and the Deputy DON Chief Data Officer (CDO). In this capacity, he directs the data governance, compliance, and strategic policy for the Marine Corps. Colin previously served as the USMC IKM Officer at HQMC and is a retired Marine Corps Communications Officer, with over 24 years of service. Colin was born in Kingston, Jamaica and emigrated to the United States in 1983. He graduated from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University in 1994 with a Bachelor of Science in Biology. He was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in August of 1996 are graduating Officer Candidate School. After graduating from The Basic School in 1997 and the Command and Control Systems Course in 1998, he checked in to the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit in Okinawa. During this tour, he served as the Communication Platoon Commander, and participating in multiple exercises and deployments throughout the Asia-Pacific Region. In September 1998, Colin transferred to Marine Forces Atlantic, Norfolk, VA, where he served as both the Future and Current Operations Officer for the G-6. In May 2001, he was assigned to the 1 st Marine Corps Recruiting District as Officer Selection Officer Manhattan. In August 2004, Colin transitioned to the Inactive Ready Reserves and pursed his MBA, receiving his degree in December 2006. Colin is currently pursuing his Doctorate in Business Administration with an emphasis on Information Security. On July 15, 2009, Colin mobilized in support of Operations Enduring Freedom as the II MEF Information Technology Officer/Information Assurance Manager. In October 2010, Colin was accepted to the U.S. Military Observer Group – Washington, where he supported the United Nations Mission to Haiti (MINUSTAH) as the Information Technology Officer for the military component. In 2014, Colin supported MARFORCOM G-6 before transferring the HQMC DC, Plans, Policies and Operations to support data and information modernization efforts. In 2019, he assumed the Information and Knowledge Manager position at HQMC DC Information. His personal decorations include the Certificate of Commendation, The Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, and the Defense Meritorious Service Medal.

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