In a significant development at the Department of Defense (DoD), Dr. Radha Plumb, an esteemed Indian American national security expert, has taken the helm as the Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Officer (CDAO).
Plumb’s appointment was marked by a formal oath-taking ceremony at the Pentagon on April 9, officiated by Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III. Joined by family and colleagues, the event underscored the gravity of Plumb’s new role, which holds immense importance in today’s evolving landscape of digital innovation and national security.
Having previously served as the Deputy Under Secretary of Defence for Acquisition and Sustainment, Plumb brings a wealth of experience to her new position. Her tenure in acquisition matters, including her focus on nurturing a robust national security industrial base, reflects her commitment to bolstering the nation’s defense capabilities.
Expressing her dedication to the task ahead, Plumb emphasized the pivotal role of digital innovation and artificial intelligence in enhancing military readiness and effectiveness. She underscored the importance of collaboration across military, industry, academia, and international partners to drive technological advancements swiftly and comprehensively.
Plumb’s impressive background includes a distinguished academic journey, culminating in a PhD in economics from Princeton University. Her early career saw her as a faculty member at prestigious institutions such as the London School of Economics and a Robert Wood Johnson Health Policy Scholar at Harvard. Subsequently, she garnered valuable experience in both government and industry roles, including stints at Google, RAND, and Facebook.
As the head of the CDAO, Plumb is poised to spearhead efforts to integrate and optimize artificial intelligence capabilities within the DoD. Her focus on accelerating the adoption of data, analytics, and AI is instrumental in fortifying the Department’s digital infrastructure and policy frameworks. By harnessing AI-driven solutions, Plumb aims to bolster the nation’s defense posture and safeguard against emerging threats.
The establishment of the CDAO in June 2022 underscores the DoD’s commitment to harnessing the transformative power of digital technologies. Plumb’s leadership signifies a strategic investment in driving innovation and resilience across the defense enterprise, ensuring the nation’s readiness in an era defined by rapid technological advancements and evolving security challenges.
