Cody Ray Thornton

CDR Cody Ray Thornton joined DARPA’s Biological Technologies Office in October 2024 as deputy program manager. In this role, he focuses on coordinating comprehensive preparations for acute public health events and emergencies, including disease outbreaks, natural disasters, and potential threats involving chemical, biological, radiological, or nuclear (CBRN) weapons. 

Before joining DARPA, Thornton served as senior advisor for public health and medical policy at the Center for Preparedness within the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR) at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. He has held several leadership positions at ASPR, including Office Director of the Office of Security, Vetting, and Protection; the HHS/ASPR Senior Advisor to DoD’s Office of the Assistant Secretary for Defense Homeland Defense and Global Security; as well as the Program Manager for the U.S. International Health Regulations Program. 

Thornton is completing a Ph.D. in Public Health - epidemiology from Walden University, holds an M.B.A in public administration from DeVry University, an M.P.H, and a bachelor’s degree in health science from Touro University, as well as an associate’s degree in medical laboratory science from Washington University. Additionally, he earned a graduate certificate in global health strategies for security from the Uniformed Services University and has completed postgraduate work on bioterrorism, pandemics, and global health security at George Mason University.