Susanna V. Blume

Distinguished Senior Fellow, Defense Program

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The Honorable Susanna V. Blume is a distinguished senior fellow in CNAS’s defense program.

Blume most recently served as the Department of Defense’s Director of Cost Assessment and Program Evaluation (CAPE). In this role she supported the Secretary of Defense in shaping the future joint force by designing and executing robust analyses and strategy-driven resourcing plans.

Prior to that role, Blume was a Senior Fellow and Director of the Defense Program at the Center for a New American Security where she focused on force planning, acquisition, and resourcing issues. She also served as Deputy Chief of Staff for Programs and Plans to the Deputy Secretary of Defense, advising on critical issues such as budgeting, force management, strategic planning, and acquisition policy. Her previous experience includes roles in the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Policy and the Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Plans and Posture.

Blume holds a master’s degree in international studies from the Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies, a law degree from the George Washington University Law School, and a bachelor’s degree in the history of art from Johns Hopkins University.