The Honorable Susanna V. Blume Returns to CNAS

Washington, June 17, 2025 — The Center for a New American Security (CNAS) is happy to welcome back the Honorable Susanna V. Blume as a distinguished senior fellow for the CNAS Defense Program.

From 2021 to 2025, Blume served as the director of the Office of Cost Assessment and Program Evaluation (CAPE) at the Department of Defense (DoD). In this role, she provided independent analysis to the secretary of defense and oversaw development of the future years defense program.

“We are thrilled to welcome Susanna back the CNAS family,” said Stacie Pettyjohn, senior fellow and director of the Defense Program. “Susanna brings rare perspective from the highest levels of the Department of Defense. Her contributions will strengthen our research on the defense industrial base and the budget at a moment when these issues are critical.”

Prior to serving as the director of CAPE, Blume was a senior fellow and director of the Defense Program at CNAS where her research on force planning and procurement reform was deeply influential in shaping DoD policy.

“Susanna’s career in government and time at CNAS have continually made our country safer and better prepared,” said Richard Fontaine, chief executive officer of CNAS. “I look forward to her renewed contributions across the Center.”

Blume 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.

Read Blume’s full bio here