Performing the Duties of Assistant Secretary of the Navy, Research, Development and Acquisition
In July 2025, Mr. Jason Potter was assigned to perform the duties of the Assistant Secretary
of the Navy (Research, Development and Acquisition). In this role, he leads the Department
of the Navy’s (DON) Research, Development, Acquisition, and Sustainment programs and
the DON’s contracting community.
Mr. Jason Potter was appointed Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Ship Programs in
May 2025. He is also performing the duties of the Principal Civilian Deputy Assistant
Secretary of the Navy (Research, Development and Acquisition).
Prior to his appointment, Mr. Potter served as a professional staff member in the United
States Senate for 10 years on the Appropriations and Armed Services Committees. His
responsibilities included oversight of Navy shipbuilding; Navy and Air Force procurement
accounts; various research, development, test, and evaluation accounts; Defense Production
Act purchases; National Defense Stockpile transactions; and defense acquisition law.
Earlier in his career, Mr. Potter served in civilian positions on the Navy Staff (OPNAV)
including as a special assistant to the Chief of Naval Operations, programming division
section head, and force structure analyst. He also served as a naval officer with assignments
as Navigator aboard USS CAPE ST GEORGE (CG 71), Communications and Repair
Officer aboard USS RUSHMORE (LSD 47), naval liaison to Joint Special Operations Task
Force – Philippines, and analyst on the 2010 Navy Quadrennial Defense Review Integration
Group. He is currently serving as a Commander in the U.S. Navy Reserve.
Mr. Potter holds an executive M.B.A. from the Naval Postgraduate School, a M.A. in
Government from the University of Maryland, and a B.S. in Political Science from the U.S.
Naval Academy.
Building the Fleet to Meet the Mission
Wednesday, February 11, 2026
10:00 AM - 11:15 AM PT