Racheal Kuczma (acting)

Racheal Kuczma is the Acting Deputy Secretary of the Capability Acquisition and Sustainment Group.

Racheal joined the Department of Defence through the 2004 Graduate Program, where she developed a strong interest in contracting during her early rotations. Over her extensive career, she has held a range of commercial roles supporting major acquisition programs across both the Aerospace and Maritime domains, including the MRH-90, P-8A Poseidon, C-27J Spartan, and the Attack Class Submarine.

After 17 years with Defence, Racheal joined Northrop Grumman, where she worked in contracts and supply chain. Giving valuable insight into the operations of major United States prime contractors and broadening her industry perspective.

In September 2024, Racheal was appointed to her substantive position as First Assistant Secretary Commercial Division, returning to Defence with a wealth of experience spanning government and industry.

As First Assistant Secretary Commercial, Racheal led the delivery of strategic advice and services across the Defence enterprise. In this role, she drove an ambitious program of reform to strengthen commercial acumen, streamline policy and processes, and modernise tools and resources to better support Defence operations in an evolving strategic environment.