NRO Leadership

Dr. Chris Scolese

Director of the NRO

The NRO Director (DNRO) reports to the Secretary of Defense and the Director of National Intelligence for all national space and assigned airborne reconnaissance activities. The DNRO provides management of the organization in accordance with Department of Defense and DNI requirements.

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William B. Adkins

Principal Deputy Director of the NRO

Mr. William B. Adkins was appointed Principal Deputy Director, National Reconnaissance Office (PDDNRO), on 12 January 2026. In this role he provides overall day-to-day management of the NRO, with decision responsibility as delegated by the Director, NRO.

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Maj. Gen. Chris Povak

Deputy Director of the NRO

The Deputy Director (DDNRO) assists the Director and Principal Deputy Director in the day-to-day direction of the NRO and serves as the Commander of the Space Force Element at NRO.

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Chief MSgt. Kevin Ryan Jr.

Command Senior Enlisted Leader of the NRO

The Command Senior Enlisted Leader (SEL) is the principal advisor to the DNRO and senior staff on matters relating to the welfare, quality of life, training, discipline, effective utilization, professional development, and force structure for the joint service enlisted members assigned to the NRO.

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A DECLASSIFIED HISTORY

The history of the NRO is a story of how opportunity, necessity, and determination converged to produce an intelligence organization unlike any that had come before.

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National Reconnaissance Office

National Reconnaissance Office - Above and Beyond