William A. LaPlante
American nonprofit executive and government official
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
William A. LaPlante is an American non-profit executive and government official who previously served as the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment in the Biden Administration.[1] He was previously the CEO of Draper Laboratory.[2]
William A. LaPlante | |
|---|---|
| |
| Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment | |
| In office April 15, 2022 – January 20, 2025 | |
| President | Joe Biden |
| Preceded by | Ellen Lord |
| Succeeded by | Michael P. Duffey |
| Assistant Secretary of the Air Force (Acquisition, Technology and Logistics) | |
| In office February 12, 2014 – November 18, 2015 | |
| President | Barack Obama |
| Preceded by | Sue C. Payton |
| Succeeded by | Will Roper |
| Personal details | |
| Education | University of Illinois (BS) Johns Hopkins University (MS) Catholic University (PhD) |
Education
LaPlante holds a doctorate in mechanical engineering from the Catholic University of America, a master's degree in applied physics from The Johns Hopkins University, and a bachelor's degree in engineering physics from the University of Illinois.[3]
Career
LaPlante started his career at Applied Physics Laboratory working on various capping off 26 years as the Department Head for Global Engagement[4] In 2011, he joined MITRE as the Missile Defense Portfolio Director.
LaPlante served as the principal deputy assistant secretary of the Air Force for acquisition, technology, and logistics in 2013. Later in 2014, he was confirmed by the Senate as the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force (Acquisition, Technology and Logistics)[5]
Leaving his position in 2015, LaPlante rejoined MITRE as the senior vice president and general manager for National Security.[6][7]
In September 2020, LaPlante was announced as the CEO of Draper Laboratory.[8]
On November 30, 2021, LaPlante was nominated to become the Defense Department's top procurement official.[9] He was confirmed by the Senate on April 7, 2022.[3][10]
After leaving the Biden Administration, LaPlante rejoined the board of trustees at The Aerospace Corporation.[11]