Derrick Pledger is Chief Digital and Information Officer at Maximus, leading digital and AI-enabled transformation across the enterprise. He draws on expertise spanning strategy, P&L management, large-scale system implementations, software development, cybersecurity, and AI-driven digital transformation to drive value, efficiency, and improved service delivery for government customers.
In his role, Derrick leverages existing and emerging technologies to drive outcomes internally and externally for Maximus’ government agency customers, overseeing digital modernization across the enterprise.
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 serves on the Board of Directors of the Northern Virginia Technology Council and on advisory boards for Virginia Tech’s Pamplin College of Business and Howard University’s Center for Digital Business. He chairs the CIO Council at WashingtonExec, is a published author, and is a frequent speaker and executive trainer. In recognition of his contributions to federal IT, he was named a 2026 Federal 100 Award winner by Nextgov. Derrick is also a U.S. Army veteran, having completed multiple tours of duty in Iraq, Afghanistan, and the Horn of Africa.
Derrick holds an MBA from the University of Maryland and a bachelor’s degree from Virginia Tech, and holds professional certifications in cloud, security, and AI.
