WEST LAFAYETTE and WASHINGTON DC – The Krach Institute for Tech Diplomacy at Purdue, the world’s preeminent institution focused on tech statecraft, continues to expand its senior leadership team with the appointment of Bradley McKinney as Vice President of Strategic Initiatives, where he will lead the development and execution of strategic initiatives, including the Global Tech Security Commission and Trusted Tech Microfinance Initiative, to enhance the impact of the Institute’s work to advance freedom through trusted technology.
Before joining the Krach Institute for Tech Diplomacy at Purdue, Bradley McKinney served as the Founder and Managing Director of Imperative LLC, helping companies navigate the global trade space. From 2018 to 2021, McKinney was the Chief of Staff at the International Trade Administration as well as Vice President for Operations and Economic Security with the Program on China and Transformational Exports at the Export-Import Bank.
“Brad is already a valuable member of the Krach Institute for Tech Diplomacy’s Advisory Council, which makes him a natural fit as the VP of Strategic Initiatives,” said Keith Krach, the Institute’s Chairman. He added, “Brad’s experiences in domestic and international trade policy have already helped position the United States as a leading global producer of advanced technology, in partnership with many of our allies. On top of that, as a double graduate of Purdue University, including his BS and MS, I know Brad will bring his signature Boilermaker passion to advance the work of the Institute and the cause of freedom.”
“It’s a pleasure to welcome Brad as the newest member of the Krach Institute for Tech Diplomacy team,” said Director Michelle Giuda. “Throughout his diverse experience in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors, he has worked to promote freedom and democratic values in the face of economic and technological authoritarianism. This international expertise in the field will help immensely with the development and execution of the Institute’s strategic initiatives and ultimately our mission.”
“I’m honored to join the team at the Krach Institute for Tech Diplomacy at Purdue,” McKinney said. “I have been impressed with the Institute’s reach, impact, and leadership in the tech statecraft category as an Advisory Council member. I am now humbled to have the opportunity to help this unique institution turn its vision into reality for the benefit of the security of America and the free world.”
Bradley McKinney was previously the Director of Government Affairs for Torrey Advisory Group and Public Policy Advisor for the law firm Faegre Drinker. As a member of the policy team at the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture, McKinney coordinated with public and private sector leaders at the international, federal, and state levels. He has worked in a number of sectors within the U.S. government, including the White House and Congress, as well as the Departments of Agriculture, Commerce, and State, and foreign governments in Latin America, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia.
One of McKinney’s primary objectives will be to facilitate the development of the work of the Global Tech Security Commission, which, in partnership with the Atlantic Council, brings together commissioners from 15 countries and 12 critical tech sectors united in a public-private partnership to develop the definitive Global Tech Security Strategy to safeguard freedom from technological authoritarianism. The Commission is co-chaired by Institute Chairman and former Under Secretary of State Keith Krach and Kersti Kaljulaid, former president of Estonia.
McKinney’s appointment as VP of Strategic Initiatives comes on the heels of Daniel Kurtenbach’s appointment as Chief Growth Officer earlier this month. Since joining the Krach Institute for Tech Diplomacy at Purdue in November 2022 as Director, Giuda has been building on the Institute’s first-year progress in harnessing Purdue University’s leadership in innovative research, commercialization, STEM education, corporate partnerships, and national security to advance the field of tech diplomacy and tech statecraft.
