Get to Know the CNBC Technology Executive Council’s Newest Member – Amentum CTO Jill Bruning

Where did you grow up?

I grew up in a small town–Harvard, Illinois–population about 5,000 and proudly known as the “Milk Center of the World.” Small town roots, big appreciation for hard work.

Where do you live now?

The Washington, D.C. area — McLean, Virginia — an environment that keeps you thinking about technology resilience, trust, and mission impact.

What was your first job?

I was a carhop at a Dog n Suds drive-in. It taught me customer service, hustle, and how to balance a tray — skills that surprisingly still come in handy.

Name the last best book you’ve read or podcast you’ve listened to.

I love historical fiction — books that transport me to another time and place. “The Pillars of the Earth” by Ken Follett is a longtime favorite, an epic story of cathedral-building in 12th-century England. More recently, I loved “Bel Canto” by Ann Patchett, which explores a hostage crisis in South America with incredible depth and humanity.

Who do you admire most in tech?

Hedy Lamarr is at the top of my list. Known as a glamorous actress in the 1940s, she was also a brilliant inventor who co-developed frequency-hopping technology — the foundation for Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and GPS. She was an unsung innovator, underestimated in her time, and a powerful reminder that brilliance often comes in unexpected packages.

More recently, I admire Sheryl Sandberg for her leadership and advocacy for women. I was gifted a signed copy of “Lean In” before it was officially published, which made a lasting impression. I also deeply respect her resilience and honesty following the sudden loss of her husband, and her work in “Option B.” Having lost my own husband suddenly in 2022, her journey resonates with me both personally and professionally.

If you weren’t in your current position, what career would you have liked to have had?

Either a yoga instructor or playing keyboards in a band. Possibly both, depending on the day.

What’s one lesson you learned early in your career that you still use today?

Ask questions and stay curious. I try to learn something new, or meet someone new, every day. I’m incredibly grateful to work alongside brilliant engineers and technologists who push the boundaries of what’s possible.

What’s something you want other TEC members to know about you?

I’ve had a varied technical journey, from mechanical engineering and cryogenics in space and intelligence work, to IT, to technology leadership and strategy today. I truly value learning from others and am excited to connect with fellow CTOs across industries.