William Bender is a seasoned board member, tech industry executive, former USAF CIO, and retired three-star general with extensive expertise in IT, cybersecurity, and governance. As CIO, he oversaw a $17B IT spend and a 54,000-person workforce. At Leidos, he supported growth from $10B to $15B. An innovation driver, Bender is also an experienced board member, advisor to startups, and a published writer and speaker.
As a prominent technology leader currently, Bender has served on multiple boards including Tangram Flex, Smartsheet, and AFCEA International, where he serves on the Cybersecurity committee and formerly was chair. He is a strategic growth advisor with Keeper Technology, focused on data management and storage solutions. With Deep Water Point & Associates, he serves as Principal, providing consulting services and thought leadership.
He held a distinguished career in defense and technology. As SVP at Leidos, he led customer-facing business development, supporting defense, intelligence, civilian, and health sectors. His leadership supported the growth of Leidos' revenue from under $10B to over $15B. He implemented the Leidos Technology Exchange, enhancing customer engagement.
Previously, as CIO of the USAF, he spearheaded IT modernization and cybersecurity, establishing the first roles for CISO and CDO in the DoD. He also established the first of its kind initiative to leverage the Silicon Valley entrepreneurial and innovation ecosystem, building the Air Force Innovation Unit which led to today's Defense Innovation Unit. He also developed key initiatives like Agile Software Factory and USAF’s Cloud First strategy.
As a USAF officer, he served as Deputy Chief at the Office of Security Cooperation in Baghdad, leading the development and implementation of foreign military sales to Iraq. He served as Commander of the USAF Expeditionary Center and dual-hatted as AMC Numbered Air Force Commander, responsible for all enroute operations of sustainment. He also led communications training and global deployment efforts for 21,000 personnel.