Brigadier General Alfred Abramson III has over three decades of experience in military leadership and defense acquisition. As the former Commanding General of Picatinny Arsenal and Joint Program Executive Officer for Armaments and Ammunition, Abramson led the development of advanced munitions for the U.S. Army. He also served in key roles, including Military Assistant to the Under Secretary of the Army and Deputy Program Executive Officer for Chemical and Biological Defense. Abramson holds multiple master’s degrees, including from Johns Hopkins University and the Army War College.

Dr. Bob Kadlec is a physician and public health expert with over 30 years of experience in biodefense and emergency preparedness. He served as the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (ASPR) at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) from 2017 to 2021, where he was responsible under President Donald Trump for launching Operation Warp Speed, the U.S. government’s initiative to develop and distribute COVID-19 vaccines. Kadlec also held key roles in biodefense policy as Special Assistant to President George W. Bush, where he advised on biodefense strategies during his tenure in the White House Homeland Security Council. A retired U.S. Air Force Colonel, he received a Bronze Star for his service in Iraq and is widely recognized for his leadership in pandemic and public health emergency preparedness.

Bobbye Jo Green is a renowned expert in storytelling and event production from Los Angeles. With a focus on crafting compelling narratives, Green has mastered the art of helping Washington Office clients tell their stories in ways that resonate with diverse audiences. Her extensive background in large-scale event production across entertainment, corporate, and nonprofit sectors gives her a unique ability to bring stories to life. Green leverages her storytelling expertise to shape events that not only engage but also strategically communicate key messages, helping clients connect with their audiences in meaningful ways.

Brad Viator is an expert in energy policy and government relations, with over a decade of experience leading public affairs for the Edison Electric Institute (EEI), where he represented the largest U.S. investor-owned electric utilities. As Vice President of External Affairs, he managed key relationships with state officials, environmental NGOs, and regulatory agencies. Brad also founded B Strategic, where he advises companies on navigating complex legislative, regulatory, and public affairs challenges.

Brandon Pollak is a seasoned entrepreneur and political strategist with extensive experience in public policy and global civic engagement. He served as the Head of Global Engagement and Strategy at Bird, where he led the company’s market strategy and forged partnerships with cities and regulators across the world to advance urban mobility. Before Bird, Pollak co-founded 1776, a global incubator and venture fund, where he advised policymakers and world leaders on fostering innovation in highly regulated sectors. Pollak has also served as a government relations advisor to multiple startups and emerging tech companies, helping them navigate complex regulatory environments.

Brett Freedman is a senior attorney with extensive experience in national security, intelligence, and legislative affairs. Most recently, he served as Chief of Staff for the National Security Division at the Department of Justice (DOJ), where he oversaw policy and operations related to terrorism, cyber threats, and espionage. Before that, Freedman worked as an Attorney-Advisor in the National Security Agency’s Office of General Counsel, advising on complex legal matters involving intelligence and cybersecurity. He also spent seven years as General Counsel and Minority Counsel for the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, playing a key role in intelligence oversight. Throughout his career, Freedman has been deeply involved in shaping U.S. national security policy and advising top officials on matters of law and strategy.

Caitlin Legacki is a seasoned public affairs strategist with nearly two decades of experience in both the public and private sectors. She served as Senior Advisor for Strategic Communications to U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo during the Biden-Harris Administration, where she played a crucial role in managing communications for landmark legislation, including the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the CHIPS Act. Before joining the Commerce Department, Legacki led corporate communications initiatives at JPMorgan Chase & Co., focusing on corporate responsibility. Additionally, she has significant experience in political campaigns, having worked on high-profile Senate campaigns, including those of Senators Kay Hagan, Claire McCaskill, and Jeanne Shaheen.

Camille Stewart Gloster is a renowned cybersecurity expert with leadership experience across government and private sectors. As the first Deputy National Cyber Director for Technology and Ecosystem Security at the White House, she played a pivotal role in shaping national cybersecurity policy, advising the President on supply chain security, data protection, and emerging technologies. Camille led key initiatives like the 2023 National Cybersecurity Strategy and was instrumental in advancing workforce development efforts through the National Cyber Workforce and Education Strategy. Prior to her White House role, she served as Google’s Global Head of Product Security Strategy and led security policy and election integrity for Google Play and Android. A recognized leader in the field, Camille is also the co-founder of the #ShareTheMicInCyber movement, promoting diversity in cybersecurity.

Colleen Laughlin is a national security and innovation expert who served as the Executive Director and Designated Federal Officer for the Defense Innovation Board (DIB). In this role, she supported the board in providing independent advice to the Secretary of Defense on modernizing the Department of Defense’s approach to innovation, technology adoption, and emerging threats. Laughlin has also held various senior advisory positions within the Office of the Secretary of Defense, where she led initiatives focused on integrating commercial technologies into defense operations. Her leadership has been instrumental in advancing U.S. defense capabilities through cutting-edge innovation strategies.

Casey Plew is the former Director of NavalX, the Department of the Navy’s innovation and agility office, where he led efforts to accelerate the adoption of new technologies and streamline collaboration between the Naval Services, industry, startups, and academia. During his time at NavalX, Casey oversaw the “Tech Bridge” network that connected the Navy with regional innovation ecosystems, helping to fast-track solutions for the fleet. Prior to leading NavalX, Casey served in various leadership roles within the Navy, including as an officer in the Naval Acquisition Corps, highlighted by Command of the Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division where his team managed the daily operations and he led the 9,000 military, government, and contractor personnel supporting surface ship radar, weapon, and combat system research and development programs. With a deep background in defense innovation and acquisition, Casey brings a wealth of experience in bridging the gap between emerging technologies and military needs.

Charlie Burgoyne is the founder and CEO of Valkyrie, a leading advanced analytics and artificial intelligence (AI) firm that specializes in applying cutting-edge data science to solve complex problems for Fortune 500 companies, government agencies, and defense organizations. Before founding Valkyrie, Charlie held leadership roles at several prominent organizations, including serving as the head of data science for frog Design, Rosetta Stone and a government applied research laboratories. With a degrees in astrophysics, Charlie has contributed to scientific research projects for NASA and DOD, where he focused on gamma modeling from the SWIFT satellite mission. His multidisciplinary expertise spans machine learning, graph theory, and governing dynamics, making him a sought-after thought leader in the fields of applied science and technological innovation. Charlie continues to serve as an advisor to top DOD officials on innovation and emerging technologies.

Dan Fata is a public policy expert and national security consultant with over 25 years of experience across government, the defense industry, and think tanks. He served as the U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for European and NATO Policy from 2005 to 2008, advising two Secretaries of Defense on European defense policy. Following his government service, Fata held senior roles at Lockheed Martin, including Vice President of Government Affairs, where he shaped policy outcomes and led global strategy initiatives for the aerospace giant. He was appointed by the U.S. Senate as a Commissioner on the Afghanistan War Commission in 2022 to assess America’s 20-year involvement in the conflict

Dan Prieto is a nationally recognized leader in national security and emerging tech, with over 20 years of executive experience at Google, IBM, McKinsey, AOL, and J.P. Morgan, and in leading government positions. He previously served as Head of Cybersecurity Strategy & Solutions for Google Public Sector, Director for Cybersecurity Policy on the National Security Council staff in the White House, and as Chief Technology Officer in the Department of Defense Office of the CIO. After 9/11, he helped establish the Homeland Security Committee in the U.S. House of Representatives. As a Vice President at IBM, he led a $125 million public-sector consulting services organization and has been involved in $200B of M&A transactions, including AOL-Time Warner. A fellow at Harvard, Stanford, and CFR, he holds degrees from Wesleyan and Johns Hopkins.

Denver Riggleman is a former U.S. Congressman from Virginia’s 5th District and a U.S. Air Force Intelligence Officer with over two decades of experience in national security. As a congressman, Riggleman championed issues related to national defense, veterans’ affairs, and regulatory reform. He also served as a senior technical advisor to the House Select Committee on the January 6th Investigation, where he played a key role in uncovering connections between extremist groups and the Capitol attack. Prior to his congressional career, Riggleman founded Silverback Distillery and held leadership roles in the National Security Agency (NSA), overseeing national defense programs. He is also the author of The Breach, a detailed account of his work on the January 6th Committee.

Dhruva Rajendra is CEO of Deterrence Defense and previously the Co-Founder and Chief Product Officer of Latch, a leading smart access company that integrates hardware and software solutions to improve building access and management. Rajendra has been instrumental in shaping Latch’s innovative approach to smart home technology, which has become ubiquitous in new developments across the U.S. Prior to founding Latch, he was the Head of Product at Main Street Genome, and he co-founded Fast Rope Labs, a venture that supported emerging technologies. With a deep background in product strategy and technology, Rajendra has played a key role in driving the growth and success of smart access technologies.

Drew McDowell has extensive experience in political strategy and government relations, having served as Chief of Staff to Andrew Yang’s Forward organization, leading efforts related to cross-partisan political reform. Prior to that, McDowell was the Chief of Staff at Renew America Movement and spent several years working as a Capitol Hill staffer, advising lawmakers on key legislative priorities. He holds a degree from Clemson University.

Ellen McCarthy has over 30 years of experience in the U.S. Intelligence Community, having held leadership roles across numerous national security organizations. Most notably, she served as the Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of Intelligence and Research (INR) from 2019 to 2021, where she provided critical intelligence insights to support U.S. foreign policy and national security objectives. Prior to that, she was the Chief Operating Officer at the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA), managing global intelligence operations. McCarthy is currently the Chairwoman and CEO of the Trust in Media Cooperative and serves as a Senior Fellow at the Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs at Harvard University.

Evan Burfield is a seasoned entrepreneur and co-founder of 1776, a global incubator and venture fund for startups. His expertise in fostering innovation ecosystems and his leadership as former CEO of Helm have helped many tech companies scale. Evan is also the author of the top-selling book Regulatory Hacking.

Greg Schultz is a seasoned political strategist best known for serving as the campaign manager for Joe Biden’s successful 2020 presidential run. Prior to leading Biden’s campaign, Schultz was a Senior Advisor to Vice President Biden during the Obama administration and also served as the Executive Director of Biden’s American Possibilities PAC. With over a decade of experience working on political campaigns at the local, state, and national levels, including key roles in both of Obama’s presidential campaigns, Schultz has built a reputation for steering winning strategies. He has also advised on numerous political and policy initiatives throughout his career, making him a central figure in Democratic politics.

Hannah Hummelberg is a lauded government communications and public policy expert. She served as the Director of Strategic Communications for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), where she crafted messaging for some of the nation’s most critical security issues. She also served as a presidential appointee of Donald Trump and an advisor in the Office of the Secretary, where she handled sensitive national security programs. Previously she worked on the foreign policy team of U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell. In addition to her government experience, Hummelberg has held senior positions at The Vandenberg Coalition, focusing on U.S. foreign policy and national security. She is a graduate of Claremont McKenna College.

Halimah Najieb-Locke is the former Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Industrial Base Resilience at the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), where she was responsible for strengthening and securing the defense industrial base to meet the nation’s security challenges. Prior to her leadership role at the DoD, Halimah served as a professional staff member on the House Small Business Committee and House Armed Services Committee, where she was a key advisor on small business contracting, defense policy, acquisition reform, and national security matters. Her career has also included senior roles at the Pentagon, where she worked on a range of high-impact policy initiatives, including major defense procurement and innovation programs. With her extensive background in legislative affairs, defense policy, and acquisition strategy, Halimah has been a driving force in shaping U.S. defense industrial policy and fostering strong public-private sector collaboration.

Ian Seltzer is a tech investor and strategist with extensive experience in digital media, technology, and esports. He was an early employee at Hulu, where he helped shape content strategy and international partnerships. Seltzer has also worked at Paramount Digital Entertainment and led content and business operations for the top-ranked esports team Rogue Esports. Currently, he is an investor and advisor to several startups, focusing on early-stage tech and media companies, and is a principal at Pierce Yates Ventures. His expertise spans digital innovation, entertainment, and the esports industry.

Jason Mello (Former Chief Research and Technology Officer, Air Force Office of Scientific Research) Jason Mello is a former U.S. Air Force Colonel with over 23 years of experience in defense and intelligence, specializing in science and technology. He served as the Chief Research and Technology Officer for Science and Engineering at the Air Force Office of Scientific Research (AFOSR), where he managed a $500 million annual R&D portfolio, driving advancements for both the Air Force and Space Force. Mello has also held leadership roles within the National Reconnaissance Office and the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment, overseeing space systems and intelligence programs. He is currently the President of Firefly Space Transport Services, where he leads commercial and government sales for space transportation solutions.

Jeff Modisett is a distinguished attorney with a career spanning public service, law, and high technology. He served as the Attorney General of Indiana from 1997 to 2000, where he played a pivotal role in negotiating the historic Big Tobacco Settlement, which led to sweeping changes in cigarette marketing across the U.S. Prior to that, he was the Prosecuting Attorney for Marion County, where he handled several high-profile cases, including the prosecution of Mike Tyson. Modisett has also served as Deputy Chief of the Public Corruption and Government Fraud Unit in the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Los Angeles. In the private sector, he was CEO of the Nextlaw Global Referral Network and Senior Counsel at Dentons US LLP, where he founded the State Attorneys General Practice Group. He continues to teach law at UCLA and advises high-tech companies on issues like antitrust, privacy, and political strategy.

Joshua Baer is a seasoned entrepreneur and angel investor who founded Capital Factory, the most active early-stage investment fund in Texas. He started his first company in 1996 from his dorm room at Carnegie Mellon University and has since become a leading voice in the startup community. Joshua is recognized as a Henry Crown Fellow and Braddock Scholar at the Aspen Institute, as well as an Eisenhower Fellow. He serves as Entrepreneur in Residence at the University of Texas, where he co-teaches the Longhorn Startup Seminar and Lab. In addition to his work in entrepreneurship, Baer has been awarded the Torch of Liberty by the Anti-Defamation League and named Volunteer of the Year by the Austin Chamber of Commerce. He continues to mentor and support new startups, helping entrepreneurs scale their businesses globally.

Lara Stein is a globally recognized leader in the fields of technology, education, and sustainability. She is best known as the Founder of TEDx, where she spearheaded the program’s expansion into a global phenomenon with over 50,000 talks across 133 countries. Stein also served as the Managing Director of Global Development at Singularity University, leading its global expansion, and as the Executive Director of Women’s March Global. In addition to her work with TEDx, she co-founded ReGenDAO, a platform aimed at reimagining regenerative projects. Throughout her career, Stein has held leadership roles at companies such as Microsoft, Marvel, and iXL, and she continues to serve on various non-profit boards, including CorpsAfrica and Equality Now.

Lauren Tomlinson is a leading public affairs and strategic communications expert with over 15 years of experience in high-level government and corporate roles. She served as a presidential appointee of Donald Trump as the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), where she led communications on national security issues including cybersecurity, counterterrorism, and disaster response. Tomlinson has also worked on Capitol Hill as Communications Director for the Senate Intelligence Committee and Senator Saxby Chambliss. In the private sector, she has managed corporate communications for Southern Company and co-founded Steer PR, a public affairs firm specializing in national security. Tomlinson regularly appears on major news networks like Fox News, CNN, and MSNBC as a commentator on political and security issues.

Luke Finney is the Co-Founder and former President of Mercantile, where he led revenue, marketing, and operations for the fintech company focused on providing tailored financial solutions for small business owners. Prior to Mercantile, Finney co-founded Terminal, a global platform enabling remote engineering teams, where he scaled operations across five countries and hired over 400 engineers. A U.S. Navy SEAL veteran, Finney led specialized teams on high-risk training and combat operations. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Aeronautical Engineering from the United States Naval Academy and a Master’s degree in Development Economics from the London School of Economics.

Mary Monica Palmer is a seasoned national security and government affairs strategist who spent a decade in the government prior to leading unicorn startup Epirus' government affairs division, and since, building the strategy and government affairs operations for a diverse range of defense technology startups. Previously, she served at the Pentagon as a Policy Advisor on Middle East Affairs in the Office of the Secretary of Defense for Policy, where she managed critical bilateral defense relations with U.S. partners and allies, as well in OSD(P) Homeland Defense and Global Security, advancing defense continuity and mission assurance policies. Mary Monica formerly served at the State Department in the Office of Policy Planning as a Speechwriter for the Secretary of State and Deputy Secretary of State, and as the Special Assistant to the Director of Policy Planning, and prior to the interagency, in the U.S. Senate for former U.S. Senator Richard Burr (NC). Palmer is the Founder of M2 Defense Strategies, a Visiting Fellow at the National Security Institute, and a graduate of Wake Forest University.

Mike MacKay is a national security expert with over two decades of experience in military operations and defense policy. He previously served as the National Security Advisor to U.S. Senator Joni Ernst, where he provided counsel on key defense and foreign policy issues, including military readiness, cybersecurity, and international relations. Prior to this, MacKay had an extensive career as a Critical Skills Operator in the Marine Raiders, the U.S. Marine Corps’ elite special operations unit. His military experience includes advising senior defense officials and congressional leaders on critical national security priorities, making him a key figure in shaping defense strategies.

Rear Admiral Mike Wettlaufer is a retired U.S. Navy officer with an illustrious career spanning over three decades. He most recently served as the 28th Commander of Military Sealift Command, overseeing the global logistics operations critical to U.S. Navy missions. Wettlaufer previously commanded Carrier Strike Group 3 during its 2018-19 global deployment, as well as the aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis and amphibious transport dock USS Denver. An accomplished naval aviator and test pilot, he has accumulated over 3,800 flight hours and 900 carrier landings. His service includes multiple deployments to the Mediterranean, Indian Ocean, and Arabian Gulf, including combat operations during Operation Desert Storm. Wettlaufer’s leadership in naval operations has earned him numerous honors, including the Distinguished Flying Cross, Legion of Merit, and Defense Superior Service Medal.

Miles Taylor is a national security expert, best-selling author, and the former Chief of Staff of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). In his role at DHS, he oversaw operations for one of the largest federal departments, helping manage a $60 billion budget and 250,000 employees. He later became Head of Advanced Technology and Security Strategy at Google, where he led efforts on policy related to quantum computing, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity. Taylor served under Presidents George W. Bush and Donald Trump, on Capitol Hill as the National Security Advisor of the House Homeland Security Committee, and on the House Appropriations Committee. He is the author of two New York Times bestseller (A Warning, Blowback); a regular tech policy commentator on BBC, CNN, NBC; and a graduate of Oxford University and Indiana University where he was a Marshall Scholar and a Harry S. Truman Scholar.

Natalie Timpone is a technology and marketing expert who has advised some of the world’s leading tech companies, including Amazon, AWS, and Target. Timpone was deeply involved in digital strategy, user engagement, and product development initiatives that contributed to the expansion of global platforms. She recently completed a Master's degree in International Relations from Johns Hopkins University, focusing on the intersection of emerging technologies and public policy.

Patrick Weninger is a retired Senior Intelligence Service Officer with over 28 years of experience in the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and the U.S. Air Force. He held leadership positions as Chief of Station and served in various war zones, specializing in clandestine operations, tradecraft, and technical intelligence. Weninger was also the head of the CIA’s Russia House, overseeing the agency’s global program focused on countering Russian intelligence and military operations. His career spans multiple regions, including the Near East, South Asia, and Europe, where he played a critical role in high-stakes national security initiatives.

Rina Shah is a political strategist, commentator, and social entrepreneur based in Washington, D.C. With over a decade of experience in political consulting and public affairs, she has advised several Republican members of Congress, including Representatives Scott Garrett and Jeff Miller. Shah has become a prominent voice in the Republican Party as a coalition-builder and advocate for democratic values and reform. She is a regular media contributor on networks like MSNBC, Fox News, and PBS, and is also the founder of Rilax Strategies, a public affairs firm.

Sai Dhanak is the founder and CEO of Warcraft and a seasoned product leader with experience across the technology and defense sectors. He previously served as the Head of Product at True Anomaly, overseeing the development of advanced defense technologies. Before that, Dhanak was the Chief Product Officer at Latch, where he led the product and design teams in building smart security and access systems. His extensive experience also includes advising startups through Primary Venture Partners and Conduit Venture Labs.

Dr. Sean Kirkpatrick is a laser and materials physicist with over 27 years of experience in scientific and technical intelligence for the Department of Defense and U.S. Intelligence Community. Most notably, he served as the first Director of the All-Domain Anomaly Resolution Office (AARO), leading the Pentagon’s efforts to investigate unidentified aerial phenomena (UAPs) and potential threats posed by these objects. During his tenure, Kirkpatrick oversaw more than 800 UAP investigations and launched the first public-facing platform to enhance transparency in government UAP inquiries. After stepping down from AARO, Kirkpatrick joined Oak Ridge National Laboratory as the Chief Technology Officer for Defense and Intelligence Programs. He was also the co-author of President Donald Trump's National Security Strategy at the White House.

Seth Lloyd has extensive experience in both business development and defense technology, having served as the Business Development and Operations lead at Anduril Industries, a defense technology company focused on advanced autonomous systems. With a strong military background, Lloyd is a Naval Aviator who led high-stakes missions in the U.S. Navy. His expertise bridges the gap between cutting-edge defense tech and real-world military operations, making him a critical player in the development and deployment of technologies that support national defense.

Shawn Usman is an astrophysicist and the founder of Rhea Space Activity (RSA), a company specializing in developing high-risk, high-reward research and technology to support U.S. national security. Before founding RSA, Usman worked for over a decade as a scientist in the U.S. Intelligence Community, where he focused on particle physics and advanced technologies for defense. Under his leadership, RSA has spearheaded innovative projects in infrared satellites, artificial intelligence, LIDAR, and cislunar space operations. He has been instrumental in creating systems like the Jervis Autonomous Module (JAM), a pioneering navigation technology for deep space, helping both commercial and military spacecraft operate in GPS-denied environments.

Rear Admiral Tim Gallaudet is a renowned oceanographer and retired U.S. Navy officer who served as the Oceanographer and Navigator of the Navy and Commander of the Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command. He also held the position of Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere and Acting NOAA Administrator from 2017 to 2019 under President Donald Trump. With over 32 years of military service, Gallaudet played a critical role in addressing climate change impacts on national security and led efforts to enhance oceanographic research, including the deployment of unmanned underwater systems. He holds a Ph.D. in oceanography from the Scripps Institution of Oceanography.

Troy Clair has over 20 years of executive experience in government, politics, and technology, and has served as Chief of Staff in the U.S. Congress, a presidential appointee at the U.S. Treasury Department, and in leadership roles in the nonprofit and tech sectors. He excels at turning ideas into real impact, earning the trust of executives in both the public and private sectors. Troy has held senior roles at industry-leading tech firms during crucial periods, including Instacart's pre-IPO phase and Amazon during the pandemic. He led initiatives to guide these companies in mitigating risks, navigating complex policy challenges, and building partnerships to earn trust with the diverse communities they serve. Troy leverages this expertise as the founder of a strategic advisory firm dedicated to unlocking the potential of innovators to win the future. He advises companies on driving business growth, building champions to advance policy goals, and enhancing their brand reputation with diverse stakeholders.