A career in government leadership wasn’t always on Mittal Desai’s radar. With a background rooted in risk management and cybersecurity, Desai initially had a different vision for where his career might take him, but the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic gave him a new perspective on the power of technology leadership.
This ultimately helped pave the way to his current role as chief information officer and chief AI officer at the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.
Today, Desai oversees FERC’s technology, cybersecurity, AI and data strategies, helping ensure the agency has the secure, resilient and modern capabilities needed to support the nation’s energy infrastructure. In this Q&A, Desai discusses the career experiences that shaped his path into government, the lessons he has learned about leading through change, and why the mission of public service continues to motivate him.
Tell us about your current role and the mission you support. What does a typical day look like for you?
I serve as the Chief Information Officer and Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer at the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, where I lead our technology, cybersecurity, AI, and data strategy. Every day, I’m focused on making sure our people have secure, modern tools to support FERC’s mission of strengthening the nation’s energy reliability. My work blends strategic planning with hands‑on collaboration across teams to keep our systems resilient and ready for the future. Our organization’s vision is: Delivery Today, Innovate for Tomorrow.
What drew you to public service? Was your path into government planned, or did it evolve over time?
My path into government wasn’t planned—it evolved through my numerous roles where I saw the impact I was making. Public service gives you the opportunity to contribute to something bigger than yourself, and that mission-driven environment is what ultimately pulled me in.
Looking back, was there a pivotal moment, decision or experience that shaped your career in government?
Initially, I didn’t envision myself pursuing a CIO role, as most of my background was rooted in risk and cybersecurity management. However, a pivotal turning point came when I realized the potential to guide an organization—particularly at the onset of the pandemic, when it became crucial to maintain our mission and support both our people and culture. Navigating an entire organization through unprecedented challenges revealed to me how effective IT leadership can fundamentally enhance an agency’s ability to safeguard and serve the public. This realization has profoundly shaped my professional journey from that moment forward.
What does public service mean to you, and why is serving the nation and its citizens important to you?
To me, public service is about stewardship, accountability, and the responsibility to serve our nation and its communities. In the energy space, our decisions affect millions of people. Knowing that our work helps protect critical infrastructure makes the mission meaningful every single day.
What is one lesson you’ve learned in public service that has stayed with you throughout your career?
One lesson that’s stayed with me: progress in government takes patience, persistence, and partnership. Change happens through collaboration and trust, and when you keep the public at the center, the challenges become opportunities to make a real difference.
What advice would you give to someone considering a career in government today?
If you’re considering government service, lean into the mission. Public service needs innovative thinkers who want meaningful impact. If you value purpose-driven work and want to help strengthen the country, there’s no better place to grow.
What continues to motivate and inspire you in your work supporting the public mission?
I’m inspired by the importance of our mission and the incredible people at FERC I get to work with. Knowing our efforts help secure the nation’s energy infrastructure—and support a more resilient future—keeps me motivated every day.