Sudha Vyas

Sudha Vyas is a senior executive at U.S. Pacific Command (USPACOM), where Sudha serves as J6 Executive Director and leads coalition partnerships across the command’s Pacific area of responsibility. Her work encompasses approximately 32 countries representing more than 60% of the world’s population and includes advancing defense priorities, strategic partnerships, and humanitarian support. As a civilian leader without a military background, Sudha brings a distinctive perspective to senior defense leadership and is one of only three senior executives in her group and the only woman in that cohort.

Sudha has approximately 17 years of federal government experience, following an earlier career in industry. Before transitioning to USPACOM, she served as Chief Cyber Architect for the Department of Defense Chief Information Officer for Cybersecurity, where she focused on cybersecurity architecture, cyber risk, resilience, and collaboration across government and industry. Her previous leadership roles with NAVWAR, the Joint Tactical Networking Center, and other defense organizations included cybersecurity strategy and governance, program management, mission assurance, standards and certification, and protection of critical information systems.

Raised in Spain for 17 years, Sudha developed an early appreciation for international relationships, cultural differences, and the evolving relationship between the United States and other nations. Her career has consistently been shaped by a willingness to pursue opportunities others considered unattainable, particularly in fields where women have been underrepresented. She credits strong mentors, family support, and her upbringing with fostering her independence, confidence, and commitment to public service. Sudha holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from The Catholic University of America and continues to emphasize mentorship, finding one's voice, cultural awareness, and the importance of creating opportunities for others.