Acting Commissioner Leland Dudek

Leland Dudek
Acting Commissioner of Social Security Administration

Leland Dudek is a seasoned information technology (IT) and security leader with over 25 years of experience driving strategic IT initiatives within the U.S. Government. His career spans key roles at the U.S. Department of the Interior, the Recovery Accountability and Transparency Board, and the Social Security Administration, where he spearheaded transformative projects in cybersecurity, fraud prevention, and IT modernization.

Prior to becoming the Acting Commissioner of the Social Security Administration, Leland served as a Senior Advisor for the Social Security Administration's Office of Program Integrity. Leland led agency-wide anti-fraud initiatives, risk management frameworks, and the integration of Artificial Intelligence-driven fraud detection systems. His expertise in IT modernization has played a pivotal role in optimizing Federal fraud prevention programs, enhancing security operations, and ensuring regulatory compliance. Additionally, as a Senior Advisor for IT Infrastructure, Leland managed a $800 million technology investment portfolio, guiding the Social Security Administration through critical infrastructure modernization efforts. His leadership in Federal compliance, strategic planning, and technology integration has strengthened the agency's operational efficiency and cybersecurity posture.

Leland's tenure in public service includes serving as Chief Information Security Officer at the Recovery Accountability and Transparency Board, where he implemented the agency's first cybersecurity framework in alignment with National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and Federal security policies. His contributions as Security Architect at the U.S. Department of the Interior were instrumental in shaping Trusted Internet Connection (TIC) architecture, improving security standards across Federal agencies. In addition to his professional achievements, Leland is a dedicated public servant, serving as a Redistricting Commissioner for the City of Hyattsville and a Local Board Member for the U.S. Selective Service System. His contributions to governance and civic engagement reflect his commitment to ethical leadership and public service. Leland holds a Master of Science in Government Information Leadership from National Defense University and a Bachelor of Arts from The Catholic University of America. He is a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) and has been recognized with numerous Federal awards, including the Commissioner of Social Security Honor Award (2022, 2023) and the Deputy Commissioner of Social Security Honor Award (2023). With a reputation for strategic vision, risk management, and technical expertise, Leland Dudek continues to shape the future of Federal IT and security operations, ensuring resilience, compliance, and innovation in the ever-evolving digital landscape.