Assistant Deputy Minister (Digital Services Group) - Biography

Mr. Ross Ermel

Ross Ermel assumed the role of Assistant Deputy Minister (Digital Services) (ADM (DS)) and Defence Chief Digital Officer (DCDO) for the Department of National Defence /Canadian Armed Forces (DND/CAF) on May 1st, 2024. Leading the newly established Digital Services Group (DSG), he brings a wealth of military and public service experience, having been selected for his vision, dedication, and professionalism. The DSG inherits the mandates of the Digital Transformation Office (DTO) and Chief Information Officer Group (CIOG), focusing on data, Artificial Intelligence (AI), enterprise resource planning modernization, cyber security and operations, Information Management (IM), and digital products and services.

Before his appointment, Mr. Ermel served as the DND/CAF ADM (Digital Transformation), where he spearheaded digital modernization efforts to ensure operational advantage. His career includes significant roles within the Government of Canada (GoC), such as ADM Digital Talent and Leadership in the Office of the Chief Information Officer, where he developed an enterprise-wide digital talent strategy. Additionally, he held the position of Assistant Commissioner of the Western Region at the Canada Revenue Agency, overseeing regional operations and leading strategic change initiatives.

Prior to joining the public service, Mr. Ermel served as an Armoured Officer in the Canadian Armed Forces for 34 years. Commanding at various levels, Mr. Ermel gained extensive tactical, operational, and strategic experience. His military career included executing operations, overseeing training, and delivering strategic-level change management.

Mr. Ermel is a graduate of the Royal Military College of Canada with a Bachelor of Arts in Commerce and a Master of Defence Studies, as well as a Master of Business Administration from Athabasca University. He also completed the Canada School of Public Service ADM Executive Leadership Programme and the US Navy Postgraduate School Senior International Defence Resources Management Programme.

Mr. Ermel is married to his very understanding wife Angie, and together they have four adult sons.

He is a graduate of the National Security Program, holds a Masters in Conflict Analysis, and completed the Senior Executives in National and International Security Programme.