The World Bank is known for extending low- and zero-interest loans to 186 countries and providing expert economic development advice to help these countries reduce poverty and create new opportunities for commerce and prosperity. But none of that, says Amy Doherty, the organization’s chief information officer, would be possible without a technological infrastructure.

“The legacy that we create every day is perpetuated by technology, from simple desktop devices like emails and phones,” Doherty says, “but it’s much more than that. It’s keeping the World Bank connected in places where it’s really difficult to stay connected, in conflict areas, in places of the world that aren’t developed and that don’t have reliable electricity, let alone reliable internet.”

Doherty ’00 Abgt, ’06 MBA Bus, who is also vice president of information and technology services, joined the World Bank in October 2023 from First Command Financial Services, where she served as executive vice president and COO. She oversees the development of high-tech tools such as blockchain-based loans, which use a technology that lets borrowers and investors across the globe connect directly without the need for third-party intermediaries, increasing transparency among banking partners and reducing the risk of corruption. Her team is also leveraging AI to improve search and productivity functions internally, and it supports country teams using emerging technologies for better outcomes.

“Our mission is so large and inspiring, and the way that we achieve the alleviation of poverty on a livable planet requires technology to work 100% of the time every day,” Doherty says.

Doherty is a nuclear engineer by training. Early on in her career, her problem-solving often involved integrating technology into existing systems. Her knack for systems thinking and stakeholder engagement led her to roles aligning technology and organizational strategy. —Andy Faught