Ian Platz is the senior program officer for security sector governance and reform at USIP. He works to enhance human security by promoting effective security sector governance through coordination and provision of technical expertise and advice to USIP programs and projects, as well as by working with non-USIP partners. He collaborates with security actors, researchers and subject matter experts to develop strategic partnerships that advance USIP program initiatives and goals.

Prior to joining USIP, Platz worked for six years at the U.S. Department of State. During his tenure, he designed, planned and implemented security sector assistance programs in Central Europe and the Horn of Africa. He also contributed to interagency teams that worked to counter mis/disinformation in East Africa, West Africa and Near East Asia to counter terrorist communications activity. Platz's areas of expertise and research include security sector governance and reform, civil-military relations, civilian harm mitigation and response, gender integration in partner nation security services, and development, management and oversight of irregular warfare activities.

Before working at the Department of State, Platz worked with the U.S. Department of Defense, where he developed tools and structures to successfully conduct alternative futures analysis. He holds a bachelor's and master's degree from Missouri State University and has extensive field experience in the Horn of Africa. In 2023, he was named to that year's class of the Aspen Security Group Rising Leaders Program.