Kris Saling

COL Kris Saling is a distinguished leader in the field of people analytics and talent management, with over eight years of experience modernizing the US Army’s personnel space and 23 years of dedicated service. Currently serving as the Acting Director of Innovation for US Army Recruiting Command, COL Saling is at the forefront of leveraging data and analytics to enhance talent management and optimize human resource strategies within the military. Throughout her career, COL Saling has held various pivotal roles that have significantly impacted the army’s approach to managing its most valuable asset – its people. She established data and analytics teams for the Army Talent Management Task Force, the Office of Army People Analytics, and innovation teams for US Army Human Resources Command and now US Army Recruiting Command. Under her leadership, the Army has developed innovative solutions to recruit, develop, and retain top talent, ensuring the Army remains competitive in an increasingly complex global environment.

COL Saling’s thought leadership in people analytics and talent management has been widely recognized both within and outside the Army. She is a sought-after speaker at national and international conferences, where her presentations are known for their practical applications and forward thinking approaches. In addition to her speaking engagements, COL Saling has been quoted in the New York Times, the Washington Post and Forbes. Her work has been featured also in military focused outlets such as Army Times and Military.com. She has been recognized as a leading analyst by the Military Operations Research Society with the prestigious Hughes Award, among other commendations. Her book, Data-Driven Talent Management, is set to be published Aug. 27, 2024.

She currently lives with her husband, son, and misbehaved golden retriever in Orlando, Fla., when she’s not traveling by planes, trains, and automobiles proving people can work from anywhere.