He’s written seven books on IT security, holds over a dozen technology patents and leads teams in architecting secure infrastructures in an era defined by expanding attack surfaces.
Raj Badhwar, chief information officer of Systems Planning & Analysis, is also a finalist for WashingtonExec’s Chief Officer Awards in the Private & Public Company CIO of the Year category. The event takes place live June 2.
In this spotlight, Badhwar discusses supporting an initial public offering, the importance of preparing for the next wave of innovation-driven security risks, and how building multidomain expertise helped strengthen his career.
What key achievements did you have in 2025/2026?
I played a leadership role in delivering major cybersecurity and enterprise IT initiatives that supported the successful formation and IPO of Amentum following the combination with Jacobs’ Critical Mission Solutions and Cyber and Intelligence businesses. My work focused on cybersecurity modernization, enterprise IT transformation, governance, operational resilience and large-scale integration efforts during a highly complex period of organizational change and growth.
At Systems Planning & Analysis (SPA), I have focused on advancing strategic cybersecurity, secure AI adoption and enterprise modernization initiatives that support mission-critical environments. This includes helping shape secure adoption strategies for emerging technologies, strengthening cyber resilience and governance models, and supporting the integration of modern enterprise IT and security architectures aligned to evolving national security requirements. I have also continued contributing to industry discussions surrounding AI security, cyber resilience and emerging technology risk.
What are your primary focus areas going forward, and why are those so important to the mission?
My focus is on secure AI adoption, resilient enterprise IT and cyber architectures, and scalable operational models that support mission delivery in increasingly data-driven environments. As organizations modernize and integrate AI into critical operations, security and IT must work together to enable resilience, agility and trust at scale.
I also believe organizations must prepare now for the operational and security implications associated with emerging technologies and increasingly interconnected mission environments. Building secure and adaptable foundations today will be critical to supporting long-term mission success.
What is your best career advice for those who want to follow in your footsteps?
Build expertise across both cybersecurity and enterprise technology delivery. The most effective leaders understand not only how to secure systems, but also how to modernize, integrate and operate them at scale.
Focus on execution, collaboration and adaptability because technology and mission requirements are evolving rapidly. Stay curious, continue learning and do not be afraid to take on technically difficult or unfamiliar challenges. That is often where the greatest professional growth happens.
What is something about you that most people do not know?
Outside of work, I enjoy writing about cybersecurity, AI and emerging technologies. I also enjoy music and competitive sports such as cricket, chess, table tennis and softball, which help me stay collaborative, competitive and balanced outside of work.
