In a move that cements a seasoned technology veteran at the helm of the U.S. Department of Labor’s digital future, Mangala Kuppa has taken over as the agency’s permanent Chief Information Officer.
Kuppa’s appointment transitions her from an acting role she held since October 2025 to a formal mandate over the department’s sprawling IT infrastructure.
Kuppa, who also retains her title as Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer, is tasked with a dual edged mission, safeguarding the agency’s cybersecurity while accelerating the integration of emerging technologies like generative AI into public services.
Her rise to the top IT post marks a significant milestone for the Indian American community in federal leadership, as she brings over 25 years of cross sector experience to the cabinet-level department.
A daughter of India, Kuppa’s journey to the upper echelons of the U.S. government began with her formative education in Mumbai. She is an alumna of SNDT Women’s University, an institution renowned for its focus on women’s empowerment and academic excellence.
This educational foundation in India provided the technical springboard for a career that would eventually span nearly 15 years in the private sector before she dedicated her talents to American public service.
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Since joining the Labor Department in 2010, Kuppa has navigated a steady climb through the ranks. Her resume within the agency reads like a blueprint for modernization, having served as Chief Technology Officer, Director of Business Application Services, and Director of Case Management.
Prior to her tenure at the main department, she spent more than a decade at the Bureau of Labor Statistics, holding various leadership roles including acting director.
Under her leadership, the department has increasingly focused on “digital-first” strategies designed to streamline workforce outcomes. Her strategic vision and execution have been instrumental in advancing the Department’s mission-critical services, according to her official profile.
She architected the Department’s artificial intelligence strategies, established DOL’s enterprise data platform, and advanced technological leadership through the adoption of low code/no code solutions.
As permanent CIO, Kuppa is expected to prioritize the expansion of enterprise data platforms and the strengthening of digital resilience.
Her appointment reflects a broader trend in Washington, where technical experts with international backgrounds are increasingly tapped to solve the government’s most pressing modernization challenges.
For Kuppa, the role is more than a title, it is the culmination of a career built on the values of her Indian roots and a relentless pursuit of innovation within the federal landscape.