Institute for Defense Analyses Executive and Leadership Team

June, 2026

Leadership Overview

Institute for Defense Analyses has 5 executives leading key functions including information technology, finance, human resources, strategy, and communications.

Driven by rigorous analysis, Institute for Defense Analyses enhances national security through independent research and policy expertise, serving federal government sponsors with trusted insights on defense and space issues.

Leadership Roles at Institute for Defense Analyses

  • Administration Chief Financial Officer & Vice President - Peter Welch
  • President - Norton Norty
  • Chief Information Officer - Martin Franke
  • Chief Human Resources Officer - Irene Timm
  • Director, Communications & Chief Communications Officer - Herman Phillips
  • Peter Welch - Administration Chief Financial Officer & Vice President

    Peter Welch, the Administration Chief Financial Officer & Vice President at Institute for Defense Analyses, oversees all financial operations and administrative functions. Welch manages the organization's fiscal health, ensuring robust financial planning, budgeting, and resource allocation to support IDA's mission of rigorous, independent analysis. This executive position involves strategic financial oversight, driving efficiency across administrative departments, and ensuring compliance with all regulatory and governmental financial standards. By directing financial strategy and administrative operations, Peter Welch plays a vital part in the Institute for Defense Analyses' ability to deliver trusted expertise to the nation. The Chief Financial Officer's leadership ensures the financial stability and operational effectiveness required for complex defense and space issue analysis.

    Norton Norty - President

    Norton Norty, the President at Institute for Defense Analyses, directs the overall strategic vision and operational execution of the organization. Norty leads the executive team in fulfilling IDA's mandate to provide rigorous, independent, and objective analyses on defense and space issues for federal government sponsors. This paramount leadership position involves setting the strategic direction, fostering key relationships with government agencies, and ensuring the highest standards of research integrity and impact. By guiding the Institute for Defense Analyses, Norton Norty champions the organization's commitment to enhancing national security through trusted expertise and service to the nation. The President's leadership ensures the continued relevance and effectiveness of IDA's contributions to critical national security challenges.

    Martin Franke - Chief Information Officer

    Martin Franke, the Chief Information Officer at Institute for Defense Analyses, directs all information technology operations and digital infrastructure. Franke architects scalable and secure IT systems essential for supporting the organization's rigorous research and analysis functions. This leadership role involves managing data integrity, cybersecurity protocols, and the technological resources that empower the Institute's mission of enhancing national security. Overseeing the development and implementation of advanced technological solutions, Martin Franke ensures that the Institute for Defense Analyses maintains a cutting-edge digital environment, facilitating seamless collaboration and data-driven decision-making across all departments. The Chief Information Officer's strategic vision is critical for maintaining operational efficiency and safeguarding sensitive information in alignment with federal government requirements.

    Irene Timm - Chief Human Resources Officer

    Irene Timm, the Chief Human Resources Officer at Institute for Defense Analyses, leads all human capital management initiatives. Timm cultivates a high-performance culture, focusing on talent acquisition, employee development, and retention strategies that support the organization's specialized research needs. This critical role involves ensuring a skilled and dedicated workforce capable of tackling complex defense and space issues. Overseeing HR operations, Irene Timm champions employee engagement and fosters an environment conducive to innovation and rigorous analysis. The Chief Human Resources Officer's strategic direction is essential for aligning the Institute for Defense Analyses' personnel with its overarching mission of enhancing national security through expert policy analysis and trusted service to the federal government.

    Herman Phillips - Director, Communications & Chief Communications Officer

    Herman Phillips, the Director, Communications & Chief Communications Officer at Institute for Defense Analyses, manages all internal and external communication strategies. Phillips ensures clear, consistent messaging that reflects IDA's commitment to rigorous, independent analysis and its role in enhancing national security. This executive function involves shaping the public narrative, managing media relations, and fostering stakeholder understanding of the Institute's vital work. Overseeing communication channels, Herman Phillips supports the organization's mission by effectively conveying the value of its research and policy analysis to government agencies and the broader public. The Chief Communications Officer's expertise is crucial for maintaining the Institute for Defense Analyses' reputation as a trusted source of defense and space issue expertise.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Institute for Defense Analyses Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Institute for Defense Analyses?
    Institute for Defense Analyses is led by Peter Welch (Administration Chief Financial Officer & Vice President), along with executives such as Norton Norty (President) and Martin Franke (Chief Information Officer).
    Who is part of Institute for Defense Analyses’s executive team?
    The executive team of Institute for Defense Analyses includes leaders such as Peter Welch (Administration Chief Financial Officer & Vice President), Norton Norty (President), Martin Franke (Chief Information Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Institute for Defense Analyses have?
    Institute for Defense Analyses has 5 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Institute for Defense Analyses’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Institute for Defense Analyses includes roles such as Administration Chief Financial Officer & Vice President, President, Chief Information Officer, Chief Human Resources Officer, Director, Communications & Chief Communications Officer.