NGA Director Frank Whitworth III Wins 4th Consecutive Wash100 Award for Championing GEOINT Innovation
Executive Mosaic is honored to announce that Vice Admiral Frank Whitworth III, director of the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, has been awarded the 2025 Wash100 Award for his steadfast commitment to advancing national security through innovative geospatial intelligence solutions.
Don’t forget to cast your vote for VADM Whitworth in the 2025 Wash100 popular vote competition! Visit Wash100.com to participate.
The prestigious Wash100 Award honors 100 exceptional executives in government and government contracting, recognizing their influence, vision, accomplishments and potential for the year ahead.
Commenting on his win, Jim Garrettson, CEO of Executive Mosaic and founder of the Wash100 Award said, “VADM Whitworth is celebrating his fourth consecutive Wash100 win, a recognition of his crucial role in modernizing our national intelligence capabilities. Under his guidance, NGA recently awarded a significant contract to provide AI and geospatial expertise, and he’s kept the agency at the forefront of tech development by hiring a chief AI officer. Frank has fortified NGA as the galactic intel layer of defense for the U.S. military, and I couldn’t be more thrilled to see him continue to set the standard in GovCon leadership.”
Who Is Frank Whitworth III?
Vice Admiral Frank Whitworth III has been at the helm of the NGA since June 3, 2022, serving as its eighth director. In this capacity, he operates under the authorities of the Secretary of Defense and the Director of National Intelligence, steering the agency’s mission to provide timely, relevant, and accurate geospatial intelligence in support of national security.
A 1989 graduate of Duke University with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, Whitworth furthered his education with a Master of Arts in National Security Studies from Georgetown University. He also holds a diploma from the Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island. navy.mil
Throughout his distinguished career, Whitworth has held several pivotal command positions, including Commander of the Joint Intelligence Center Central, Commanding Officer of the Navy Element of U.S. Central Command, and Commanding Officer of the Kennedy Irregular Warfare Center. His operational assignments are equally noteworthy, having served as Director of Intelligence for The Joint Staff, U.S. Africa Command, and Joint Special Operations Command. Additionally, he was the Director of Intelligence and Deputy Director of the Maritime Operations Center for U.S. Naval Forces Central Command, U.S. Fifth Fleet. Whitworth’s extensive experience encompasses multiple deployments, notably three tours in Afghanistan supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.
Key Initiatives at NGA
Under Whitworth’s leadership, the NGA has prioritized the integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning to manage the burgeoning volume of geospatial data. Recognizing the challenges posed by the proliferation of data from advanced collection systems and expansion into the space domain, Whitworth has emphasized the necessity of these technologies to enhance the agency’s capabilities. He has highlighted the role of AI in automating dynamic collection, imagery exploitation, and reporting workflows, enabling rapid data analysis and activity anticipation.
In November 2024, during a conversation at the Council on Foreign Relations, Whitworth elaborated on how AI is transforming the NGA’s approach to targeting, warning, and safety of navigation. He discussed the agency’s progress with Project Maven, an initiative that integrates AI into analytic workflows to detect and extract objects from imagery and video. Whitworth noted that NGA Maven has become a program of record actively employed by combat commanders, enhancing the speed and accuracy of geospatial intelligence operations.
Another significant development during Whitworth’s tenure was the establishment of the National GEOINT Operations Center in January 2024. The NGOC operates around the clock, providing military forces and policymakers with timely access to critical geospatial data. This center serves as an expanded watch facility, delivering visual products and mission-essential geospatial intelligence to support decision-making processes. Whitworth emphasized that the NGOC unites various operational watches under a shared mission, enhancing warfighting capabilities, communication, and visibility.
Awards and Recognitions
Vice Admiral Whitworth’s exemplary service has been recognized through multiple awards and honors. In 2024, he received his third consecutive Wash100 Award, acknowledging his leadership in geospatial intelligence and his efforts in advancing space and intelligence innovation.
His military decorations include three Defense Superior Service Medals, the Legion of Merit, four Bronze Stars, and four Defense Meritorious Service Medals. Whitworth has also been honored with the Edwin T. Layton Leadership Award, the Vice Admiral Rufus L. Taylor Leadership Award, the Army’s Knowlton Award for excellence in intelligence, France’s Médaille de la Défense nationale and the Defense Intelligence Agency Director’s Award.
Vice Admiral Frank Whitworth’s career reflects a steadfast commitment to enhancing national security through innovative geospatial intelligence solutions. His leadership continues to shape the NGA’s strategic direction, ensuring the agency remains at the forefront of technological advancements in support of defense and intelligence missions.
Executive Mosaic congratulates Vice Admiral Frank Whitworth III and the entire NGA team for their Wash100 recognition. Cast your vote for him at Wash100.com.