WEST LAFAYETTE, IN, 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, Brad served as the Founder and Managing Director of Imperative LLC, a government affairs firm that supports companies navigating the U.S. federal government and global trade. From 2018 to 2021, McKinney was Chief of Staff at the International Trade Administration, an agency at the U.S. Department of Commerce, as well as Vice President for Operations and Economic Security with the Program on China and Transformational Exports at the Export-Import Bank. He was also previously the Executive Director of the International Wood Products Association, a government affairs consultant at Torrey Advisory Group and Faegre Drinker, and a member of the policy team at the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture.

“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 has already helped position the U.S. 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 America’s and the free world’s security.”

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 fifteen countries and twelve 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 follows the appointments of Michelle Giuda as Director and Daniel Kurtenbach as Chief Growth Officer.

ABOUT THE KRACH INSTITUTE FOR TECH DIPLOMACY AT PURDUE: 

The Krach Institute for Tech Diplomacy at Purdue is the world’s preeminent institution focused on Tech Statecraft, a new model of diplomacy that bridges the high-tech sector with the foreign policy and national security sectors to ensure trusted technology is used to advance freedom.​ The Krach Institute for Tech Diplomacy is a nonpartisan 501(c)(3) that leverages Purdue’s strength in innovation, deep expertise in technology, and global prowess in educating transformational leaders. For more information, visit www.techdiplomacy.org and follow the Krach Institute for Tech Diplomacy at Purdue on Twitter, LinkedIn, and YouTube.

CONTACT: James Nash
Email: james@rokksolutions.com

Bradley McKinney
Strategic Initiatives