Derrick Pledger is a seasoned executive with a unique mix of expertise across strategy, P&L management, large-scale system implementations, software development, cyber, complex R&D, and AI-driven digital transformation. With more than two decades of experience, Derrick leads digital and AI-enabled transformation at Maximus, leveraging existing and emerging technologies to drive value, efficiency, and service delivery outcomes internally and externally for our customers.
Before joining Maximus in 2024, Derrick served as CIO at Leidos, overseeing global IT operations for that $16 billion enterprise with more than 47,000 employees. His leadership was instrumental in executing digital and enterprise strategies, supporting worldwide delivery operations, and securing major contract awards in technology and federal mission support. Derrick’s career also includes significant achievements in P&L management, software development, cybersecurity, and complex R&D initiatives.
Derrick is active in the technology community, serving on the Board of Directors for the Northern Virginia Technology Council and advisory boards at Virginia Tech’s Pamplin College of Business and Howard University’s Center for Digital Business. He is also Chair of the CIO Council at WashingtonExec, a published author, and a frequent speaker and executive trainer.
A U.S. Army Veteran, Derrick served multiple tours in Iraq, Afghanistan, and the Horn of Africa, both in uniform and as a defense contractor. He earned his MBA from the University of Maryland and a bachelor’s degree from Virginia Tech, and holds certifications in cloud, security, and AI.
