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2023 Threat Conference
October 7–10, 2023
"It's not about who's on stage. It's about who's in the room."
2023 Agenda Update
NEW Start Day/Time this year: The Cipher Brief Threat Conference is kicking off on the evening of Saturday, October 7 this year and will wrap up with a Breakout Brunch series on Tuesday. We are looking forward to welcoming CIA Director Bill Burns for the conference opening session on Saturday and the conference will officially wrap up around noon on Tuesday, October 10th.
National Security is Everyone's Business.
Join The Cipher Brief and national security leaders from government and the private sector as we engage in exercises and expert-led conversations on issues including China, Taiwan, Ukraine, Russia, Quantum, AI/ML, Cyber, Emerging Tech, Espionage, Alliances, Digital Transformation and Foreign Malign Influence.
Cipher Brief sessions are expertly crafted and focused on ways the public and private sectors can most efficiently work together to address key national security challenges.
To keep conversations at the highest level possible, attendance is by invitation only and is limited to professionals working in the national security space.
Come prepared to engage in exercises meant to raise awareness of key national security threats and leave more connected than ever to the national security community.
What Experts are saying about the Cipher Brief Threat Conference
2023 Conference Speakers
William Burns
Director of the CIA
Bill Burns was officially sworn in as Director of the Central Intelligence Agency on March 19, 2021, making him the first career diplomat to serve as Director. Director Burns holds the highest rank in the Foreign Service—Career Ambassador—and is only the second serving career diplomat in history to become Deputy Secretary of State.
Director Burns retired from the State Department U.S. Foreign Service in 2014 before becoming president of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.
Director Burns is a crisis-tested public servant who spent his 33-year diplomatic career working to keep Americans safe and secure. Prior to his tenure as Deputy Secretary of State, he served as Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs from 2008 to 2011; U.S. Ambassador to Russia from 2005 to 2008; Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs from 2001 to 2005; and U.S. Ambassador to Jordan from 1998 to 2001. He was also Executive Secretary of the State Department and Special Assistant to former Secretaries of State Warren Christopher and Madeleine Albright; Minister-Counselor for Political Affairs at the U.S. Embassy in Moscow; Acting Director and Principal Deputy Director of the State Department’s Policy Planning Staff; and Special Assistant to the President and Senior Director for Near East and South Asian Affairs at the National Security Council.
Director Burns received three Presidential Distinguished Service Awards and the highest civilian honors from the Pentagon and the U.S. Intelligence Community. He is the author of the best-selling book, The Back Channel: A Memoir of American Diplomacy and the Case for Its Renewal (2019). He earned a bachelor’s degree in history from LaSalle University and master’s and doctoral degrees in international relations from Oxford University, where he studied as a Marshall Scholar.
Bill Burns was officially sworn in as Director of the Central Intelligence Agency on March 19, 2021, making him the first career diplomat to serve as Director. Director Burns holds the highest rank in the Foreign Service—Career Ambassador—and is only the second serving career diplomat in history to become Deputy Secretary of State.
Director Burns retired from the State Department U.S. Foreign Service in 2014 before becoming president of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.
Director Burns is a crisis-tested public servant who spent his 33-year diplomatic career working to keep Americans safe and secure. Prior to his tenure as Deputy Secretary of State, he served as Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs from 2008 to 2011; U.S. Ambassador to Russia from 2005 to 2008; Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs from 2001 to 2005; and U.S. Ambassador to Jordan from 1998 to 2001. He was also Executive Secretary of the State Department and Special Assistant to former Secretaries of State Warren Christopher and Madeleine Albright; Minister-Counselor for Political Affairs at the U.S. Embassy in Moscow; Acting Director and Principal Deputy Director of the State Department’s Policy Planning Staff; and Special Assistant to the President and Senior Director for Near East and South Asian Affairs at the National Security Council.
Director Burns received three Presidential Distinguished Service Awards and the highest civilian honors from the Pentagon and the U.S. Intelligence Community. He is the author of the best-selling book, The Back Channel: A Memoir of American Diplomacy and the Case for Its Renewal (2019). He earned a bachelor’s degree in history from LaSalle University and master’s and doctoral degrees in international relations from Oxford University, where he studied as a Marshall Scholar.
Dr. Stacey Dixon
PDDNI
Dr. Stacey A. Dixon was sworn in as the Principal Deputy Director of National Intelligence (PDDNI) on Aug. 4, 2021. She currently serves as the sixth Senate-confirmed PDDNI.
Possessing over 18 years of intelligence experience, Dr. Dixon has led the Intelligence Community at the highest ranks. Dr. Dixon joined ODNI after serving as the eighth Deputy Director of the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) from 2019-2021, where she assisted the Director both in leading the agency and managing the National System for Geospatial Intelligence.
From 2018 to 2019, she was the fourth Director of the Intelligence Advanced Research Projects Activity (IARPA), after serving as its Deputy Director from 2016 to 2018. Before joining IARPA, Dr. Dixon served as the Deputy Director of NGA’s research directorate, where she oversaw geospatial intelligence research and development. She held additional leadership roles at NGA as the Chief of Congressional and Intergovernmental Affairs and Deputy Director of the Corporate Communications Office.
Prior to serving at NGA, Dr. Dixon was a staff member for the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. She first started her intelligence career at the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) in 2003, where she was assigned to the National Reconnaissance Office’s advanced systems and technology directorate.
An accomplished leader, Dr. Dixon holds both a doctorate and master’s degree in mechanical engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology and a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Stanford University. She was also a chemical engineer postdoctoral fellow at the University of Minnesota. Dr. Dixon serves as a presidentially nominated member of the Board of Visitors to the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, the NGA Liaison to the United States Geospatial Intelligence Foundation (USGIF) Board of Directors, and the NGA Liaison to the Spelman College Center of Excellence for Minority Women in STEM (COE-MWS) Leadership Advisory Board. Dr. Dixon is a native of the District of Columbia, where she currently resides.
Dr. Stacey A. Dixon was sworn in as the Principal Deputy Director of National Intelligence (PDDNI) on Aug. 4, 2021. She currently serves as the sixth Senate-confirmed PDDNI.
Possessing over 18 years of intelligence experience, Dr. Dixon has led the Intelligence Community at the highest ranks. Dr. Dixon joined ODNI after serving as the eighth Deputy Director of the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) from 2019-2021, where she assisted the Director both in leading the agency and managing the National System for Geospatial Intelligence.
From 2018 to 2019, she was the fourth Director of the Intelligence Advanced Research Projects Activity (IARPA), after serving as its Deputy Director from 2016 to 2018. Before joining IARPA, Dr. Dixon served as the Deputy Director of NGA’s research directorate, where she oversaw geospatial intelligence research and development. She held additional leadership roles at NGA as the Chief of Congressional and Intergovernmental Affairs and Deputy Director of the Corporate Communications Office.
Prior to serving at NGA, Dr. Dixon was a staff member for the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. She first started her intelligence career at the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) in 2003, where she was assigned to the National Reconnaissance Office’s advanced systems and technology directorate.
An accomplished leader, Dr. Dixon holds both a doctorate and master’s degree in mechanical engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology and a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Stanford University. She was also a chemical engineer postdoctoral fellow at the University of Minnesota. Dr. Dixon serves as a presidentially nominated member of the Board of Visitors to the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, the NGA Liaison to the United States Geospatial Intelligence Foundation (USGIF) Board of Directors, and the NGA Liaison to the Spelman College Center of Excellence for Minority Women in STEM (COE-MWS) Leadership Advisory Board. Dr. Dixon is a native of the District of Columbia, where she currently resides.
Admiral James Stavridis (Ret.)
Former Supreme Allied Commander, NATO
Admiral Stavridis (Ret.) was the 16th Supreme Allied Commander at NATO and 12th Dean of The Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University, where he earned a PhD in international affairs. He is currently Vice Chair, Global Affairs and Managing Director at The Carlyle Group and Chair of the Board of the Rockefeller Foundation. Admiral Stavridis is the author of twelve books, including Sea Power: The History and Geopolitics of the World’s Oceans and Sailing True North: Ten Admirals and the Voyage of Character. 2034: A Novel of the Next World War speculates about a US-China conflict. His latest book, To Risk It All: Nine Conflicts and the Crucible of Decision, was released in May 2022.
Admiral Stavridis (Ret.) was the 16th Supreme Allied Commander at NATO and 12th Dean of The Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University, where he earned a PhD in international affairs. He is currently Vice Chair, Global Affairs and Managing Director at The Carlyle Group and Chair of the Board of the Rockefeller Foundation. Admiral Stavridis is the author of twelve books, including Sea Power: The History and Geopolitics of the World’s Oceans and Sailing True North: Ten Admirals and the Voyage of Character. 2034: A Novel of the Next World War speculates about a US-China conflict. His latest book, To Risk It All: Nine Conflicts and the Crucible of Decision, was released in May 2022.
Vice Admiral Frank Whitworth
Director of the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency
Vice Admiral Frank Whitworth is the eighth Director of the
National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency. He leads and
directs NGA under the authorities of the Secretary of
Defense and Director of National Intelligence. He became
NGA’s director on June 3, 2022.
Whitworth is a 1989 graduate of Duke University Durham,
North Carolina, with a Bachelor of Arts in Political
Science. He holds a Master of Arts in National Security
Studies from Georgetown University, Washington, District
of Columbia, as well as a diploma from the Naval War
College in Newport, Rhode Island.
Whitworth’s command tours included commander, Joint
Intelligence Center Central; commanding officer, Navy Element of U.S. Central Command; and commanding officer, Kennedy Irregular Warfare Center.
Whitworth’s operational tours included director of Intelligence for The Joint Staff, director of intelligence for U.S. Africa Command, director of Intelligence for Joint Special Operations Command, director of Intelligence and deputy director of Maritime Operations Center for Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command, U.S. Fifth Fleet; director of Intelligence for a Special Operations Task Force in Afghanistan during three deployments supporting Operation Enduring Freedom; director of Intelligence for Naval Special Warfare Development Group; special assistant for Political-Military Affairs at U.S. Sixth Fleet during Operation Allied Force; indications and warning officer at U.S. Naval Forces Central Command, U.S. Fifth Fleet, in support of Operation Desert Storm; and intelligence officer for Fighter squadron 31 during USS Forrestal’s deployment in support of Operation Provide Comfort.
Whitworth’s shore-based tours included the National Security Agency, chief of targets for the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility; Navy federal executive fellow to American Enterprise Institute; senior duty officer at the White House Situation Room;
intelligence briefer for the Chief of Naval Operations and Secretary of the Navy; and intelligence watch analyst at the Office of Naval Intelligence and the National Military Joint Intelligence Center.
Whitworth is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations. His decorations include the Defense Superior Service Medal (three awards), Legion of Merit, Bronze Star (four awards), Defense Meritorious Service Medal (four awards), as well as the Edwin T. Layton Leadership Award, Vice Admiral Rufus L. Taylor Leadership Award, the Army’s Knowlton Award for excellence in intelligence, the Republic of France’s Médaille de la Défense nationale (Gold), and the Defense Intelligence Agency Director's Award.
Vice Admiral Frank Whitworth is the eighth Director of the
National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency. He leads and
directs NGA under the authorities of the Secretary of
Defense and Director of National Intelligence. He became
NGA’s director on June 3, 2022.
Whitworth is a 1989 graduate of Duke University Durham,
North Carolina, with a Bachelor of Arts in Political
Science. He holds a Master of Arts in National Security
Studies from Georgetown University, Washington, District
of Columbia, as well as a diploma from the Naval War
College in Newport, Rhode Island.
Whitworth’s command tours included commander, Joint
Intelligence Center Central; commanding officer, Navy Element of U.S. Central Command; and commanding officer, Kennedy Irregular Warfare Center.
Whitworth’s operational tours included director of Intelligence for The Joint Staff, director of intelligence for U.S. Africa Command, director of Intelligence for Joint Special Operations Command, director of Intelligence and deputy director of Maritime Operations Center for Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command, U.S. Fifth Fleet; director of Intelligence for a Special Operations Task Force in Afghanistan during three deployments supporting Operation Enduring Freedom; director of Intelligence for Naval Special Warfare Development Group; special assistant for Political-Military Affairs at U.S. Sixth Fleet during Operation Allied Force; indications and warning officer at U.S. Naval Forces Central Command, U.S. Fifth Fleet, in support of Operation Desert Storm; and intelligence officer for Fighter squadron 31 during USS Forrestal’s deployment in support of Operation Provide Comfort.
Whitworth’s shore-based tours included the National Security Agency, chief of targets for the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility; Navy federal executive fellow to American Enterprise Institute; senior duty officer at the White House Situation Room;
intelligence briefer for the Chief of Naval Operations and Secretary of the Navy; and intelligence watch analyst at the Office of Naval Intelligence and the National Military Joint Intelligence Center.
Whitworth is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations. His decorations include the Defense Superior Service Medal (three awards), Legion of Merit, Bronze Star (four awards), Defense Meritorious Service Medal (four awards), as well as the Edwin T. Layton Leadership Award, Vice Admiral Rufus L. Taylor Leadership Award, the Army’s Knowlton Award for excellence in intelligence, the Republic of France’s Médaille de la Défense nationale (Gold), and the Defense Intelligence Agency Director's Award.
The Hon. Susan M. Gordon
Former Principal Deputy Director for National Intelligence, ODNI
The Honorable Susan M. Gordon is former Principal Deputy Director of National Intelligence (PDDNI). Prior to ODNI, Gordon served in multiple leadership roles in the IC including as Deputy Director of the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) and 27 years at the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), where she held senior executive positions in four of the Agency’s directorates. In 1998, she designed and drove the formation of In-Q-Tel, a private, non-profit company created to deliver innovative technology solutions for the agency and the IC.
The Honorable Susan M. Gordon is former Principal Deputy Director of National Intelligence (PDDNI). Prior to ODNI, Gordon served in multiple leadership roles in the IC including as Deputy Director of the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) and 27 years at the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), where she held senior executive positions in four of the Agency’s directorates. In 1998, she designed and drove the formation of In-Q-Tel, a private, non-profit company created to deliver innovative technology solutions for the agency and the IC.
Matt Olsen
Assistant Attorney General for National Security
Matt Olsen is the Assistant Attorney General for National Security. In that capacity, he leads the Department of Justice’s mission to combat terrorism, espionage, cyber crime, and other threats to the national security.
From 2011 to 2014, Olsen served as the Director of the National Counterterrorism Center. Prior to leading NCTC, Olsen was the General Counsel for the National Security Agency.
For 18 years, Olsen worked at the Department of Justice as a career attorney and in a number of leadership positions. He served as an Associate Deputy Attorney General for national security and was Special Counselor to the Attorney General. In 2006, Olsen helped establish the National Security Division and served as the first career Deputy Assistant Attorney General for National Security.
Matt Olsen is the Assistant Attorney General for National Security. In that capacity, he leads the Department of Justice’s mission to combat terrorism, espionage, cyber crime, and other threats to the national security.
From 2011 to 2014, Olsen served as the Director of the National Counterterrorism Center. Prior to leading NCTC, Olsen was the General Counsel for the National Security Agency.
For 18 years, Olsen worked at the Department of Justice as a career attorney and in a number of leadership positions. He served as an Associate Deputy Attorney General for national security and was Special Counselor to the Attorney General. In 2006, Olsen helped establish the National Security Division and served as the first career Deputy Assistant Attorney General for National Security.
Rob Joyce
Director of Cybersecurity, NSA
Mr. Rob Joyce is the Cybersecurity Director of the National Security Agency (NSA). As the new Cybersecurity director, he oversees NSA’s Cybersecurity Directorate, which was established in October 2019 to prevent and eradicate cyber threats to the Department of Defense, National Security Systems, and the Defense Industrial Base.
Joyce assumed the position after serving as NSA’s top cryptologic representative in the United Kingdom; the Special U.S. Liaison Officer in London. Joyce has also held positions in the National Security Council, serving as cybersecurity coordinator and special assistant to the president from March 2017 to May 2018, including time as acting Deputy Homeland Security Advisor and Acting Homeland Security Advisor. He has worked to establish strong partnerships across the U.S. Government, industry, and allies, throughout his tenure and will continue these efforts in his new position.
Mr. Rob Joyce is the Cybersecurity Director of the National Security Agency (NSA). As the new Cybersecurity director, he oversees NSA’s Cybersecurity Directorate, which was established in October 2019 to prevent and eradicate cyber threats to the Department of Defense, National Security Systems, and the Defense Industrial Base.
Joyce assumed the position after serving as NSA’s top cryptologic representative in the United Kingdom; the Special U.S. Liaison Officer in London. Joyce has also held positions in the National Security Council, serving as cybersecurity coordinator and special assistant to the president from March 2017 to May 2018, including time as acting Deputy Homeland Security Advisor and Acting Homeland Security Advisor. He has worked to establish strong partnerships across the U.S. Government, industry, and allies, throughout his tenure and will continue these efforts in his new position.
Tonya Ugoretz
Assistant Director, FBI Directorate of Intelligence
Tonya Ugoretz is Assistant Director of the FBI's Directorate of Intelligence. She previously served as a Deputy Assistant Director in FBI's Cyber Division where she oversaw national-level cyber policy, analysis of cybercriminal and national security threats, and partner engagement. Prior to this position, she spent three years at the Office of the Director for National Intelligence as the first Director of the Cyber Threat Intelligence Integration Center (CTIIC), for which she received the National Intelligence Distinguished Service Medal. Ugoretz began government service in 2001 as a Presidential Management Fellow. In 2003, she became the first analyst to serve as the FBI Director’s daily briefer and thereafter served in various roles at FBI and other agencies, including assignments with CIA, Customs and Border Protection, and the National Intelligence Council.
Tonya Ugoretz is Assistant Director of the FBI's Directorate of Intelligence. She previously served as a Deputy Assistant Director in FBI's Cyber Division where she oversaw national-level cyber policy, analysis of cybercriminal and national security threats, and partner engagement. Prior to this position, she spent three years at the Office of the Director for National Intelligence as the first Director of the Cyber Threat Intelligence Integration Center (CTIIC), for which she received the National Intelligence Distinguished Service Medal. Ugoretz began government service in 2001 as a Presidential Management Fellow. In 2003, she became the first analyst to serve as the FBI Director’s daily briefer and thereafter served in various roles at FBI and other agencies, including assignments with CIA, Customs and Border Protection, and the National Intelligence Council.
Jennifer Ewbank
Deputy Director of CIA for Digital Innovation
Jennifer Ewbank is the Deputy Director of CIA for Digital Innovation, responsible for accelerating the development and integration of digital and cyber capabilities across all of CIA’s mission areas, to include enterprise information technology, cyber security, cyber operations and analysis, data strategy and artificial intelligence, open source collection and reporting, as well as building the digital acumen of the CIA workforce through training and education. As the Agency’s de facto Chief Digital Officer, Ms. Ewbank oversees the Digital C-Suite roles of Chief Information Officer, Chief Information Security Officer, and Chief Data Officer.
Jennifer Ewbank is the Deputy Director of CIA for Digital Innovation, responsible for accelerating the development and integration of digital and cyber capabilities across all of CIA’s mission areas, to include enterprise information technology, cyber security, cyber operations and analysis, data strategy and artificial intelligence, open source collection and reporting, as well as building the digital acumen of the CIA workforce through training and education. As the Agency’s de facto Chief Digital Officer, Ms. Ewbank oversees the Digital C-Suite roles of Chief Information Officer, Chief Information Security Officer, and Chief Data Officer.
Brett M. Holmgren
Assistant Secretary of State for Intelligence and Research
Prior to assuming this position as Assistant Secretary, Mr. Holmgren served for 14 years in key leadership positions in the Intelligence Community (IC), the White House and at the Department of Defense, as well as three years in the private sector.
During the Obama administration, Mr. Holmgren served on the National Security Council staff as Special Assistant to the President and Senior Director for Intelligence Programs, Senior Policy Advisor to the Assistant to the President for Homeland Security and Counterterrorism, and Director for Counterterrorism. At the Department of Defense, he served as Special Assistant to the Deputy Secretary of Defense, where he was responsible for the intelligence, cybersecurity, technology and special operations portfolios.
Mr. Holmgren also served for eight years in the IC as a senior analyst at the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and, prior to that, as a counterterrorism analyst at the Defense Intelligence Agency. As an analyst, he deployed to warzones to provide support to counterterrorism operations.
Mr. Holmgren most recently served as Deputy for Nominations on the Biden-Harris Transition Team, and prior to that as Vice President for Technology Risk Management at Capital One Financial from 2017 to 2020.
Mr. Holmgren is the recipient of multiple honors and awards, including the Director of National Intelligence Superior Service Award, the CIA Director’s Award, the CIA Hostile Action Service Medal, and the Secretary of Defense Meritorious Civilian Service Award. He holds a B.A. in political science and journalism from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a M.A. in global security studies, summa cum laude, from the Johns Hopkins University.
Prior to assuming this position as Assistant Secretary, Mr. Holmgren served for 14 years in key leadership positions in the Intelligence Community (IC), the White House and at the Department of Defense, as well as three years in the private sector.
During the Obama administration, Mr. Holmgren served on the National Security Council staff as Special Assistant to the President and Senior Director for Intelligence Programs, Senior Policy Advisor to the Assistant to the President for Homeland Security and Counterterrorism, and Director for Counterterrorism. At the Department of Defense, he served as Special Assistant to the Deputy Secretary of Defense, where he was responsible for the intelligence, cybersecurity, technology and special operations portfolios.
Mr. Holmgren also served for eight years in the IC as a senior analyst at the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and, prior to that, as a counterterrorism analyst at the Defense Intelligence Agency. As an analyst, he deployed to warzones to provide support to counterterrorism operations.
Mr. Holmgren most recently served as Deputy for Nominations on the Biden-Harris Transition Team, and prior to that as Vice President for Technology Risk Management at Capital One Financial from 2017 to 2020.
Mr. Holmgren is the recipient of multiple honors and awards, including the Director of National Intelligence Superior Service Award, the CIA Director’s Award, the CIA Hostile Action Service Medal, and the Secretary of Defense Meritorious Civilian Service Award. He holds a B.A. in political science and journalism from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a M.A. in global security studies, summa cum laude, from the Johns Hopkins University.
Cynthia Kaiser
Deputy Assistant Director, FBI Cyber Division
Cynthia Kaiser is a Deputy Assistant Director with FBI Cyber Division, where she
oversees national-level cyber policy, analysis of cyber threats, and
partner engagement.
Cynthia has covered cyber, technology, and counterintelligence issues for
over 17 years for the FBI, served as a PDB Briefer in two presidential
administrations, and has led FBI cyber threat analysis and served as an
FBI election lead since 2017. In this role, she has reshaped FBI information
sharing and collaboration with the private sector and federal, state, and
local government officials to be robust, proactive, and aimed at imposing
risks and consequences on malicious cyber actors.
Cynthia holds a Master’s degree in security policy focused on science and
technology and an Executive Master’s degree in leadership.
Cynthia Kaiser is a Deputy Assistant Director with FBI Cyber Division, where she
oversees national-level cyber policy, analysis of cyber threats, and
partner engagement.
Cynthia has covered cyber, technology, and counterintelligence issues for
over 17 years for the FBI, served as a PDB Briefer in two presidential
administrations, and has led FBI cyber threat analysis and served as an
FBI election lead since 2017. In this role, she has reshaped FBI information
sharing and collaboration with the private sector and federal, state, and
local government officials to be robust, proactive, and aimed at imposing
risks and consequences on malicious cyber actors.
Cynthia holds a Master’s degree in security policy focused on science and
technology and an Executive Master’s degree in leadership.
Brandon Wales
Executive Director, CISA
Lt. Gen. Michael Groen (Ret.)
Former Director, Joint Artificial Intelligence Center
Lieutenant General Michael Groen (US Marine Corps, Ret.) served over 36 years in the U.S. military, culminating his career as the senior executive for AI in the Department. Groen also served in the National Security Agency overseeing Computer Network Operations, and as the Director of Joint Staff Intelligence, working closely with the Chairman and Senior Leaders across the Department. He is an experienced Marine commander and multi-tour combat veteran. Groen earned Masters Degrees in Electrical Engineering and Applied Physics from the Naval Postgraduate School. He is an experienced change-agent - modernizing capabilities, organizations and cultures. He informs transformational change in military capabilities against the backdrop of an accelerating pace of digitally enabled warfare and rapidly modernizing opponents.
Lieutenant General Michael Groen (US Marine Corps, Ret.) served over 36 years in the U.S. military, culminating his career as the senior executive for AI in the Department. Groen also served in the National Security Agency overseeing Computer Network Operations, and as the Director of Joint Staff Intelligence, working closely with the Chairman and Senior Leaders across the Department. He is an experienced Marine commander and multi-tour combat veteran. Groen earned Masters Degrees in Electrical Engineering and Applied Physics from the Naval Postgraduate School. He is an experienced change-agent - modernizing capabilities, organizations and cultures. He informs transformational change in military capabilities against the backdrop of an accelerating pace of digitally enabled warfare and rapidly modernizing opponents.
Norman T. Roule
Former National Intelligence Manager for Iran, ODNI
Norman T. Roule is a geopolitical and energy consultant who served for 34 years in the Central Intelligence Agency, managing numerous programs relating to Iran and the Middle East. He served as the National Intelligence Manager for Iran (NIM-I) at the ODNI from 2008 until 2017. As NIM-I, he was the principal Intelligence Community (IC) official responsible for overseeing all aspects of national intelligence policy and activities related to Iran, to include IC engagement on Iran issues with senior policymakers in the National Security Council and the Department of State. Mr. Roule is a life member of the Council on Foreign Relations, an advisor to the Belfer Center for Science & International Affairs at the Harvard Kennedy School, a 2023 Visiting Fellow at the National Security Institute at George Mason University’s Antonin Scalia Law School, and a non-resident senior adviser with the Transnational Threats Project at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. He is also an advisor to United Against Nuclear Iran (UANI) and the Counter Extremism Project (CEP).
Norman T. Roule is a geopolitical and energy consultant who served for 34 years in the Central Intelligence Agency, managing numerous programs relating to Iran and the Middle East. He served as the National Intelligence Manager for Iran (NIM-I) at the ODNI from 2008 until 2017. As NIM-I, he was the principal Intelligence Community (IC) official responsible for overseeing all aspects of national intelligence policy and activities related to Iran, to include IC engagement on Iran issues with senior policymakers in the National Security Council and the Department of State. Mr. Roule is a life member of the Council on Foreign Relations, an advisor to the Belfer Center for Science & International Affairs at the Harvard Kennedy School, a 2023 Visiting Fellow at the National Security Institute at George Mason University’s Antonin Scalia Law School, and a non-resident senior adviser with the Transnational Threats Project at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. He is also an advisor to United Against Nuclear Iran (UANI) and the Counter Extremism Project (CEP).
Beth Sanner
Former Deputy Director for National Intelligence, ODNI
Beth E. Sanner, a retired CIA officer with 35 years of national security experience, was Deputy Director for National Intelligence and the President’s intelligence briefer during the Trump Administration.
Beth E. Sanner, a retired CIA officer with 35 years of national security experience, was Deputy Director for National Intelligence and the President’s intelligence briefer during the Trump Administration.
Mark Kelton
Former Senior Executive Service Officer, CIA
Mark Kelton retired from CIA as a senior executive with 34 years of experience in intelligence operations including serving as CIA’s Deputy Director for Counterintelligence. He is currently a partner at the FiveEyes Group and is Board Chair of Spookstock, a charity that benefits the CIA Memorial Foundation, the Special Operations Warrior Foundation and the Defense Intelligence Memorial Foundation.
Mark Kelton retired from CIA as a senior executive with 34 years of experience in intelligence operations including serving as CIA’s Deputy Director for Counterintelligence. He is currently a partner at the FiveEyes Group and is Board Chair of Spookstock, a charity that benefits the CIA Memorial Foundation, the Special Operations Warrior Foundation and the Defense Intelligence Memorial Foundation.
Rob Dannenberg
Former Head of Security, Goldman Sachs
Rob Dannenberg served as chief of operations for CIA’s Counterterrorism Center, chief of the Central Eurasia Division and chief of the Information Operations Center before retiring from the Agency. He served as managing director and head of the Office of Global Security for Goldman Sachs, and as director of International Security Affairs at BP. He is now an independent consultant on geopolitical and security risk.
Rob Dannenberg served as chief of operations for CIA’s Counterterrorism Center, chief of the Central Eurasia Division and chief of the Information Operations Center before retiring from the Agency. He served as managing director and head of the Office of Global Security for Goldman Sachs, and as director of International Security Affairs at BP. He is now an independent consultant on geopolitical and security risk.
Paul Kolbe
Former Director, The Intelligence Project at Harvard University’s Belfer Center
Paul Kolbe is former director of The Intelligence Project at Harvard University’s Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs. Kolbe also led BP’s Global Intelligence and Analysis team supporting threat warning, risk mitigation, and crisis response. Kolbe served 25 years as an operations officer in the CIA, where he was a member of the Senior Intelligence Service, serving in Russia, the Balkans, Indonesia, East Germany, Zimbabwe, and Austria.
Paul Kolbe is former director of The Intelligence Project at Harvard University’s Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs. Kolbe also led BP’s Global Intelligence and Analysis team supporting threat warning, risk mitigation, and crisis response. Kolbe served 25 years as an operations officer in the CIA, where he was a member of the Senior Intelligence Service, serving in Russia, the Balkans, Indonesia, East Germany, Zimbabwe, and Austria.
Sandra Joyce
VP Google Cloud, Head of Mandiant Intelligence
Kelly Bissell
CVP, Microsoft
Kelly Bissell joined Microsoft as CVP in 2022.
Prior to this, Bissell led Accenture’s Global Security business and oversaw security services including strategic consulting, cyber defense, digital identity, response and remediation services, and managed security services. With more than 25 years of security industry experience, Bissell specializes in breach incident response, identity management, privacy and data protection, secure software development, and cyber risk management. His role at Accenture spanned strategic consulting, proactive risk management and digital identity to cyber defense, response and remediation services, and managed security services—across all industries.
Kelly Bissell joined Microsoft as CVP in 2022.
Prior to this, Bissell led Accenture’s Global Security business and oversaw security services including strategic consulting, cyber defense, digital identity, response and remediation services, and managed security services. With more than 25 years of security industry experience, Bissell specializes in breach incident response, identity management, privacy and data protection, secure software development, and cyber risk management. His role at Accenture spanned strategic consulting, proactive risk management and digital identity to cyber defense, response and remediation services, and managed security services—across all industries.
Nataliya Bugayova
Author and Non-Resident Russia Fellow, ISW
Nataliya Bugayova is a non-resident Russia Fellow at the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) focusing on the Kremlin’s foreign policy decision-making, information operations, and global campaigns from Ukraine to Africa. Nataliya previously led ISW’s Russia research team where she helped build the analytical framework that continues to serve as the foundation for ISW’s in-depth reporting on Russia.
Nataliya is the author of “How We Got Here with Russia: The Kremlin’s Worldview” and "Putin's Offset: The Kremlin's Geopolitical Adaptations Since 2014." She has been a trusted voice on Russia’s war on Ukraine and on the Kremlin’s campaigns globally. Her insights have been featured in media outlets including Foreign Policy, PBS NewsHour, CNN, NBC News, Fox News, The Hill, BBC, Voice of America, and others.
Nataliya currently serves as the Director of Strategic Intelligence at Vertical Knowledge, a US data and technology company.
Prior to ISW, she worked on reform efforts in Ukraine in a number of roles. Nataliya was the Chief Executive Officer of the Kyiv Post, then Ukraine’s only independent English-language publication. She also served as the adviser to former Ukrainian Economy Minister Pavlo Sheremeta, appointed after the pro-democracy Euromaidan Revolution in February 2014.
Nataliya holds a Master's in Public Policy from Harvard University’s Kennedy School, where she was a student fellow at the Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs.
Nataliya Bugayova is a non-resident Russia Fellow at the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) focusing on the Kremlin’s foreign policy decision-making, information operations, and global campaigns from Ukraine to Africa. Nataliya previously led ISW’s Russia research team where she helped build the analytical framework that continues to serve as the foundation for ISW’s in-depth reporting on Russia.
Nataliya is the author of “How We Got Here with Russia: The Kremlin’s Worldview” and "Putin's Offset: The Kremlin's Geopolitical Adaptations Since 2014." She has been a trusted voice on Russia’s war on Ukraine and on the Kremlin’s campaigns globally. Her insights have been featured in media outlets including Foreign Policy, PBS NewsHour, CNN, NBC News, Fox News, The Hill, BBC, Voice of America, and others.
Nataliya currently serves as the Director of Strategic Intelligence at Vertical Knowledge, a US data and technology company.
Prior to ISW, she worked on reform efforts in Ukraine in a number of roles. Nataliya was the Chief Executive Officer of the Kyiv Post, then Ukraine’s only independent English-language publication. She also served as the adviser to former Ukrainian Economy Minister Pavlo Sheremeta, appointed after the pro-democracy Euromaidan Revolution in February 2014.
Nataliya holds a Master's in Public Policy from Harvard University’s Kennedy School, where she was a student fellow at the Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs.
Rear Admiral Mark Montgomery (Ret.)
Former Executive Director, U.S. Cyberspace Solarium Commission
Mark Montgomery formerly served as the Executive Director of the Cyberspace Solarium Commission. Before this position, he served as Policy Director for the Senate Armed Services Committee under the leadership of Senator John S. McCain. In this position he coordinated policy efforts on national defense strategy, capabilities and requirements, defense policy and cyber issues. Mark served for 32 years in the U.S. Navy as a nuclear trained surface warfare officer, retiring as a Rear Admiral in 2017. His flag officer assignments included Director of Operations (J3) at U. S. Pacific Command; Commander of Carrier Strike Group 5 embarked on the USS George Washington stationed in Japan; and Deputy Director, Plans, Policy and Strategy (J5), at U. S. European Command. He was selected as a White House Fellow and assigned to the National Security Council, serving as Director for Transnational Threats from 1998-2000. Mark graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with bachelor’s and master’s degrees in history. He subsequently earned a master’s degree in history from Oxford University, and completed the U.S. Navy’s nuclear power training program.
Mark Montgomery formerly served as the Executive Director of the Cyberspace Solarium Commission. Before this position, he served as Policy Director for the Senate Armed Services Committee under the leadership of Senator John S. McCain. In this position he coordinated policy efforts on national defense strategy, capabilities and requirements, defense policy and cyber issues. Mark served for 32 years in the U.S. Navy as a nuclear trained surface warfare officer, retiring as a Rear Admiral in 2017. His flag officer assignments included Director of Operations (J3) at U. S. Pacific Command; Commander of Carrier Strike Group 5 embarked on the USS George Washington stationed in Japan; and Deputy Director, Plans, Policy and Strategy (J5), at U. S. European Command. He was selected as a White House Fellow and assigned to the National Security Council, serving as Director for Transnational Threats from 1998-2000. Mark graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with bachelor’s and master’s degrees in history. He subsequently earned a master’s degree in history from Oxford University, and completed the U.S. Navy’s nuclear power training program.
Matt Hayden
Former Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security for Cyber, Infrastructure, Risk and Resilience Policy
Matt Hayden served as the Assistant Secretary for Cyber, Infrastructure, Risk and Resilience Policy at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. In this role, Mr. Hayden was responsible for leading DHS policy development in support of department-wide efforts to reduce national risks with a focus on critical infrastructure cybersecurity, federal network security, countering cyber-crime, and improving the security and resilience of the global cyber ecosystem, as well as national resilience initiatives that enhance Federal, State, and local government and community preparedness and response capabilities. Additionally, Mr. Hayden served as an expert advisor on Cyber, Infrastructure, Risk and Resilience matters to the Under Secretary, Secretary, and other high-level officials.
Mr. Hayden previously was the Senior Advisor to the Director of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, and Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Private Sector within the Office of Partnership and Engagement at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. In these roles, Mr. Hayden advised the Secretary, and Director on the impact of the Department’s policies, regulations, and processes on private sector companies, and enhanced strategic communications to help the public and private sectors jointly meet their shared responsibility for protecting and strengthening the nation’s critical infrastructure against cyber and physical threats.
Prior to joining DHS, Mr. Hayden was a senior executive with the National Disability Rights Network focusing on the use of technology and modernization for the national membership including, accessibility of digital content, securing PII, cloud utilization, and e-records management.
Matt Hayden served as the Assistant Secretary for Cyber, Infrastructure, Risk and Resilience Policy at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. In this role, Mr. Hayden was responsible for leading DHS policy development in support of department-wide efforts to reduce national risks with a focus on critical infrastructure cybersecurity, federal network security, countering cyber-crime, and improving the security and resilience of the global cyber ecosystem, as well as national resilience initiatives that enhance Federal, State, and local government and community preparedness and response capabilities. Additionally, Mr. Hayden served as an expert advisor on Cyber, Infrastructure, Risk and Resilience matters to the Under Secretary, Secretary, and other high-level officials.
Mr. Hayden previously was the Senior Advisor to the Director of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, and Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Private Sector within the Office of Partnership and Engagement at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. In these roles, Mr. Hayden advised the Secretary, and Director on the impact of the Department’s policies, regulations, and processes on private sector companies, and enhanced strategic communications to help the public and private sectors jointly meet their shared responsibility for protecting and strengthening the nation’s critical infrastructure against cyber and physical threats.
Prior to joining DHS, Mr. Hayden was a senior executive with the National Disability Rights Network focusing on the use of technology and modernization for the national membership including, accessibility of digital content, securing PII, cloud utilization, and e-records management.
Nick Fishwick
Former Senior Member of the British Foreign Office
Nick Fishwick CMG retired after nearly thirty years in the British Foreign Service. His postings included Lagos, Istanbul and Kabul. His responsibilities in London included director of security and, after returning from Afghanistan in 2007, he served as director for counter-terrorism. His final role was as director general for international operations.
Nick Fishwick CMG retired after nearly thirty years in the British Foreign Service. His postings included Lagos, Istanbul and Kabul. His responsibilities in London included director of security and, after returning from Afghanistan in 2007, he served as director for counter-terrorism. His final role was as director general for international operations.
Mike Sulick
Former Director, CIA National Clandestine Service
Michael Sulick is the former director of CIA’s National Clandestine Service and is currently a consultant on counterintelligence and global risk assessment. Sulick also served as Chief of Counterintelligence and Chief of the Central Eurasia Division where he was responsible for intelligence collection operations and foreign liaison relationships in Russia, Eastern Europe and the former republics of the Soviet Union. He is the author of Spying in America: Espionage From the Revolutionary War to the Dawn of the Cold War and American Spies: Espionage Against the United States from the Cold War to the Present.
Michael Sulick is the former director of CIA’s National Clandestine Service and is currently a consultant on counterintelligence and global risk assessment. Sulick also served as Chief of Counterintelligence and Chief of the Central Eurasia Division where he was responsible for intelligence collection operations and foreign liaison relationships in Russia, Eastern Europe and the former republics of the Soviet Union. He is the author of Spying in America: Espionage From the Revolutionary War to the Dawn of the Cold War and American Spies: Espionage Against the United States from the Cold War to the Present.
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Global Security Services Lead of Microsoft
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