•   Engage with a prestigious network of over 5,000 influential leaders, including senior government officials, renowned scholars, business executives, journalists, legal experts, and nonprofit professionals.   •   Participate in nonpartisan forums, collaborating with world leaders, members of Congress, and thought leaders across academia, policy, and business sectors.   •   Contribute to discussions and initiatives shaping global foreign policy, staying informed on critical international developments, and fostering meaningful dialogue on global challenges.   •   Leverage CFR membership to enhance strategic insights and promote cross-disciplinary collaboration in foreign affairs.

•   Member of a diverse network of over 2,000 leaders, including veterans, civilians, policy experts, and political professionals across 16 chapters in 47 states, dedicated to advancing nonpartisan national security solutions.   •   Leverage expertise in strategy, policy, and technology to support international humanitarian efforts and security initiatives, driving positive change through innovative and balanced approaches.   •   Advocate for diplomacy and peaceful conflict resolution, employing force as a last resort to ensure effective responses to global challenges.   •   Engage actively in advocacy and policy influence, championing initiatives aligned with international humanitarian principles and security protocols.   •   Facilitate integration of humanitarian standards into domestic policy frameworks, recognizing the interconnectedness of global and domestic conduct.   •   Utilize cutting-edge technology to implement innovative solutions enhancing global security, fostering cooperation, and strengthening American leadership through diplomacy, defense, development, and democracy.   •   Collaborate with Defense Council members, including veterans and frontline civilians with U.S. foreign policy, defense, and intelligence expertise, across government, business, policy, and nonprofit sectors.

National Security and Emerging Technologies Expert   •   Engage in critical discussions and contribute to publications focused on emerging technologies, including cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, and maritime and space security.   •   Analyze and address complex legal, strategic, and operational challenges posed by these technologies within the U.S. intelligence, defense, homeland security, and humanitarian sectors.   •   Provide briefings to Congress and key stakeholders, delivering actionable insights that shape policy and guide operational strategies in response to global technological advancements.   •   Develop and influence policies impacting national security, actively contributing to initiatives that align emerging technologies with strategic national objectives.

•   Contribute to scholarly and public discourse by authoring publications focused on the legal, operational, and policy challenges impacting U.S. intelligence, defense, humanitarian, homeland security, and technology sectors.   •   Provide expert briefings to Congress members and key stakeholders, offering actionable insights to shape policy and operational decision-making.   •   Develop and advocate for policies addressing U.S. national security interests, with a focus on navigating evolving technological and geopolitical challenges.   •   Serve as a co-host of the ‘Fault Lines’ podcast, delivering in-depth discussions on pressing security issues.   •   Frequently appear as a security commentator on television news, offering analysis and strategic perspectives on developments impacting national security.

•   Direct the planning, coordination, and execution of critical humanitarian aid operations in Ukraine.   •   Provide strategic leadership in mission planning, information management, and personnel/resource protection.   •   Ensure the timely delivery of aid to communities in need, balancing operational efficiency with safety protocols.   •   Manage cross-functional teams to maintain seamless collaboration and response efforts in dynamic environments.   •   Monitor evolving needs on the ground, adapting strategies to optimize impact and sustain mission objectives.

•   Collaborated closely with the U.S. Department of Defense, Department of State, and National Security Council to influence U.S. policy and operational strategies.   •   Provided kinetic, cybersecurity, and OSINT services to address complex security challenges and enhance strategic outcomes.   •   Developed and implemented policies ensuring robust national security measures while maintaining strong international partnerships.   •   Championed the duty of care for Afghan allies, shaping strategies that align with the United States’ responsibilities to these partners.   •   Facilitated coordination among diverse stakeholders, uniting public and private entities committed to supporting Afghan allies and friends.   •   Ensured operational strategies were effective in addressing critical security needs and safeguarding individuals under U.S. care.

•   Utilize expertise in maritime defense, operations, and technology, coupled with a strong international background in innovation and defense strategy, to drive impactful change through strategic, policy-driven, and technological initiatives.   •   Serve as an ambassador, working closely with Ukrainian officials, citizen groups, and NGO partners to address critical challenges, including the strategic delivery of essential medical supplies to high-risk areas.   •   Develop and implement strategies to enhance maritime operations and defense capabilities, focusing on sustainability and operational effectiveness.   •   Collaborate across sectors to apply cutting-edge technologies to complex operational problems, ensuring meaningful improvements in efficiency and effectiveness.   •   Lead efforts to align policy, strategy, and technology to safeguard vulnerable communities, ensuring successful execution of maritime and humanitarian missions in challenging environments.

•   Provided actionable insights across Autonomous Systems, Cybersecurity, Space, and Maritime sectors to address operational challenges for Warfighters.   •   Delivered innovative and comprehensive solutions by fostering proactive collaboration with key stakeholders, including the Department of Defense (DoD), industry leaders, academia, and research laboratories.   •   Led strategic initiatives by organizing ideation sessions and engaging diverse perspectives to develop forward-thinking strategies and accelerate solution development.   •   Spearheaded rapid prototyping efforts to transform innovative ideas into practical, mission-ready solutions.   •   Monitored emerging trends and technologies to provide foresight, enabling stakeholders to anticipate challenges and capitalize on new opportunities.   •   Delivered operationally relevant solutions that enhanced Warfighter capabilities, ensuring readiness to meet current and future threats.

•   Provide specialized expertise in dual-use emerging technologies, including Generative AI, autonomous maritime and aerial systems, and space exploration, with a focus on applications across both commercial and defense sectors.   •   Evaluate the kinetic warfare capabilities of autonomous systems and strategically integrate AI for surveillance and reconnaissance within maritime security operations.   •   Analyze the humanitarian, social, and global security implications of new technologies, with expertise in assessing operational, geopolitical, and regulatory risks.   •   Identify strategic opportunities and address policy gaps in national and international security frameworks, particularly in maritime environments and airspace governance.   •   Develop and implement guidelines for responsible innovation, emphasizing the ethical, societal, and

•   Defined critical risk management issues at the Board and Executive Management levels, providing strategic guidance to enhance risk understanding.   •   Partnered with a leading autonomous vehicle company to deliver operational-level engagement, driving practical improvements in risk management and client resiliency.   •   Developed and implemented enhanced client resilience strategies, business continuity plans, and cybersecurity frameworks in alignment with NIST and ISO standards.   •   Created and refined customer security and privacy risk, compliance, and regulatory programs, including HIPAA/HITRUST, GDPR/CCPA, NYS SHIELD, MA 201CMR 17, PCI, SOC-2, and SEC.   •   Designed comprehensive incident response plans and procedures, leading clients through assessments, war gaming, and tabletop exercises to ensure incident response readiness.   •   Provided expert advisory services on evaluating processes, controls, and associated risks, aligned with organizational goals, industry standards, and company culture.   •   Collaborated with sales teams to identify upselling and cross-selling opportunities, driving revenue growth through additional risk management services.   •   Established strategic partnerships and alliances, expanding market reach and enhancing the company’s service offerings.

•   Co-led a multidisciplinary team of attorneys and cybersecurity professionals to deliver technical and policy advice, ensuring client organizations’ security and protecting employee privacy on a global scale.   •   Managed response efforts for over 5,000 cyber-related incidents and provided virtual Chief Information Security Officer (vCISO) services to enhance risk comprehension and bolster client resiliency.   •   Designed and implemented organizational resilience frameworks, business continuity plans, and cybersecurity strategies aligned with NIST and ISO security standards.   •   Developed and optimized client security, privacy risk, compliance, and regulatory programs, covering frameworks such as CMMC, HIPAA/HITRUST, GDPR/CCPA/CPRS, GLBA, NYDFS, PCI, SOC-2, and SEC regulations.   •   Created and executed comprehensive incident response plans, leading clients through readiness assessments, war gaming, and tabletop exercises to prepare for and mitigate cyber incidents effectively.   •   Provided expert evaluation of internal processes, controls, and risk profiles, tailoring recommendations to align with industry best practices, organizational culture, and business goals.   •   Supported mergers and acquisitions (M&A) by conducting technical due diligence and offering expert guidance for legal support on cybersecurity-related matters.

•   Founded and led a non-profit organization focused on enhancing the quality of life for wounded veterans by addressing the impacts of PTSD and moral injury.   •   Developed and implemented strategies, policies, and technologies to deliver actionable support for veterans and transitioning military personnel.   •   Established strategic partnerships with Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs) and the Veterans Administration (VA) to improve veterans’ mental health and well-being.   •   Advocated for policies supporting mental health, leveraging innovative technologies to create solutions for PTSD and moral injury.   •   Designed and launched comprehensive support programs, including counseling, therapy, and community integration activities, to provide holistic care.   •   Led community outreach efforts, organizing events to raise awareness and foster a supportive environment for veterans and their families.   •   Ensured sustainability and long-term impact by laying the foundation for programs and initiatives that promote lasting well-being and positive outcomes for veterans.

•   Innovation Leadership: Spearheaded the development of innovative business models and strategies by identifying and evaluating emerging market opportunities, ensuring alignment with the organization’s vision and long-term goals.   •   Entrepreneurial Mentorship: Provided hands-on mentorship to aspiring entrepreneurs, offering critical feedback on business plans, guiding them through the complexities of business scaling, and preparing them for market challenges.   •   Strategic Planning & Execution: Collaborated with cross-functional teams to incubate new ideas, driving projects from concept through market launch. Partnered with leadership to shape and refine the organization’s innovation strategy.   •   Workshops & Training: Designed and led workshops on entrepreneurial methodologies, including lean startup, fundraising, and product development, enhancing internal capabilities and knowledge.   •   Network Building & Partnership Development: Established and cultivated strategic partnerships with industry leaders, academic institutions, and startup communities to expand the organization’s reach and impact.   •   Investor Relations: Facilitated connections between entrepreneurs and potential investors, ensuring access to critical funding opportunities for early-stage ventures.   •   Ecosystem Development: Played a key role in building a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem within the organization, fostering a culture of creativity, continuous learning, and innovation.   •   Revenue Growth & Market Expansion: Identified and converted market trends and customer needs into viable business opportunities, driving new revenue streams and strengthening the organization’s competitive edge.   •   Strategic Impact: Contributed to the growth and development of future entrepreneurial leaders through visionary leadership and hands-on project management, reinforcing the organization’s innovation capabilities.

•   Spearheaded statewide initiatives to position Maryland as a leader in cybersecurity, unmanned systems, and the space industry by leveraging strategic insight, deep industry knowledge, and an extensive network across commercial, federal, and military sectors.   •   Guided emerging companies exploring relocation to Maryland, fostering an environment of innovation and secure growth through public-private partnerships and collaboration between government, private industry, and academia.   •   Directed the development and implementation of strategies and policies to promote Maryland’s leadership in emerging technologies, creating a sustainable and innovative ecosystem.   •   Provided strategic advisory services to companies engaging with the US government, private sector, and academic institutions to support business growth and partnership opportunities.   •   Enhanced Maryland’s global competitiveness by engaging international partners and promoting the state’s companies in international markets.   •   Led business outreach and education efforts to raise awareness of cybersecurity best practices and foster a proactive, secure business environment.   •   Co-founded and served on the advisory board of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Cyber Center of Excellence, playing a pivotal role in shaping national cybersecurity standards and best practices.   •   Drove economic development by establishing Maryland as a top destination for businesses in the technology sector, contributing to job creation, secure industry growth, and long-term economic expansion.

Founded an NGO that uses sports to raise awareness and funds for global programs, promoting inclusiveness and education with a focus on creating opportunities for girls.

I founded and led an organization that provided affordable mobile communications products to empower new entrepreneurs in emerging markets, including Afghanistan, Ecuador, Gaza, Honduras, Iraq, Libya, Rwanda, South Sudan, and Tunisia.

•   Conducted in-depth identification of emerging technologies worldwide to uncover investment opportunities, strengthening Nokia’s strategic insights on user adoption trends and potential use cases.   •   Supported scenario planning and strategic decision-making by providing intelligence on potential disruptions, competitive threats, and market shifts, contributing to growth in mobile phone and internet infrastructure sectors.   •   Collaborated effectively across cultural and international divisions to align objectives, ensuring clarity in strategy execution and desired outcomes.   •   Cultivated long-term relationships with internal stakeholders and external partners to foster innovation and market development.   •   Championed investments in innovative ideas to enhance Nokia’s understanding of future technologies, driving new growth opportunities and sustaining market leadership.

•   Collaborated with optical spectrum, system, and network engineers to provide logistical support in the development of a proprietary fiber optic IP data network independent of Regional Bell Operating Companies (RBOCs).   •   Played a key role in designing connections to optical rings across major metropolitan areas, optimizing network coverage and scalability.   •   Facilitated the integration of fiber optic networks through elevator risers to deliver 100 MB bandwidth directly to customers, a first-of-its-kind service at the time.   •   Ensured high-speed, reliable data services by bypassing traditional voice-based infrastructure, enhancing connectivity and service quality for end users.

•   Applied business process engineering and design thinking methodologies to collaborate with network and civil engineers in developing and constructing some of the world’s first fully managed, redundant data centers on a global scale.   •   Led the end-to-end project lifecycle, from initial planning and design through construction, implementation, and final delivery, ensuring all milestones were met on time and within budget.   •   Oversaw the deployment of state-of-the-art data centers that provided advanced content distribution and web caching services, optimizing performance to prevent bottlenecks and downtime for customers.   •   Managed cross-functional teams and coordinated multiple stakeholders to deliver innovative infrastructure solutions, achieving seamless operational excellence across all sites.