In today’s fast-evolving world, where technology and national security increasingly intersect, Radha Iyengar Plumb stands as a visionary leader who has left an indelible mark on both government and industry. Her journey—from academia and Silicon Valley to the highest ranks of the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) and later as Vice President of AI-First Transformation at IBM—reflects a rare combination of intellectual brilliance, resilience, and a deep commitment to service.
Early Life and Education of Radha Iyengar Plumb
The foundation of Radha Iyengar Plumb’s career was built on academic excellence. She earned her Bachelor of Science from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and later pursued her M.S. and Ph.D. in Economics from Princeton University.
Her research focused on evaluating policies that reduce violence, including criminal behavior, sexual assault, terrorism, and intimate partner violence. This rigorous academic training honed her skills in data-driven policy evaluation, which would later become central to her leadership in both national defense and technological transformation.
Her intellectual curiosity and passion for impact led her to begin her career as an assistant professor at the London School of Economics, inspiring the next generation of students while continuing her research into public policy and security.
Career in Public Service and Policy
Plumb’s transition from academia to government service showcased her versatility and drive to solve real-world challenges. She held senior positions in the White House National Security Council, Department of Defense, and Department of Energy, where she worked on critical issues such as military readiness, nuclear modernization, and energy security.
As a civilian advisor in Afghanistan, she provided on-ground analysis and measurement tools to support counterinsurgency strategies—proving her ability to bring intellectual rigor to highly complex and dangerous environments.
Her work was not confined to security alone; she also influenced national policy on personnel and readiness, playing a vital role in advancing executive actions on sexual assault in the military. Through every position, Radha Iyengar Plumb demonstrated a relentless commitment to integrity, innovation, and service.
Radha Iyengar Plumb: Technology Leadership at Google and Facebook
Before her return to the Pentagon, Plumb ventured into the technology sector, taking on leadership positions at Google and Facebook.
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At Google, she served as Director of Research and Insights for Trust and Safety, helping shape strategies to protect billions of users online.
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At Facebook, she was the Global Head of Policy Analysis, guiding efforts on digital safety and global security issues.
These experiences gave her a rare dual perspective—bridging national defense and big tech—that would later empower her to lead groundbreaking initiatives in digital transformation and artificial intelligence.
Department of Defense Leadership
In 2022, President Joe Biden nominated Radha Iyengar Plumb for a pivotal role in the Pentagon. Despite political challenges and delays, she was confirmed as Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment in April 2023. In this role, she oversaw critical functions such as defense acquisition, contract management, logistics, and the defense industrial base.
Her leadership was widely recognized as she balanced innovation with responsibility, ensuring that the U.S. military had the tools and strategies needed to meet 21st-century challenges.
In April 2024, she was appointed as the Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Officer (CDAO) for the Department of Defense. As CDAO, she spearheaded the Pentagon’s efforts to integrate data, analytics, and AI into defense systems, accelerating the adoption of cutting-edge technologies to provide a strategic advantage on the global stage.
Transition to IBM and Global Influence
In July 2025, Radha Iyengar Plumb took her expertise to the private sector, joining IBM as Vice President of AI-First Transformation. Here, she leads company-wide efforts to embed artificial intelligence, automation, and hybrid cloud technologies into global business operations.
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