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2022 Threat Conference
2022 Threat Conference
October 9–11, 2022
"It's not about who's on stage. It's about who's in the room."
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.
2021 Conference Speakers
Thank you to the speakers who supported this year's conference.
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.
Jen Easterly
Director of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA)
Jen Easterly is the Director of the Department of Homeland Security’s Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA). Ms. Easterly was nominated by President Biden in April 2021 and unanimously confirmed by the Senate on July 12, 2021.
As Director, Ms. Easterly leads CISA’s efforts to protect and defend civilian government networks, manage systemic risk to national critical functions, and collaborate with State, Local, Tribal, and Territorial partners as well as with the private sector to ensure the security and resilience of the Nation’s cyber and physical infrastructure.
Before serving in her current role, Ms. Easterly was the head of Firm Resilience and the Fusion Resilience Center at Morgan Stanley, responsible for ensuring preparedness and response to business-disrupting operational incidents and risks. Ms. Easterly joined the Firm in 2017 to build and lead its Cybersecurity Fusion Center, the operational cornerstone of its cyber defense strategy.
Ms. Easterly has a long tradition of public service, to include two tours at the White House, most recently as Special Assistant to President Obama and Senior Director for Counterterrorism, and earlier as Executive Assistant to National Security Advisor Condoleezza Rice in the George W. Bush Administration. A former member of the Defense Intelligence Senior Executive Service, she also served as the Deputy for Counterterrorism at the National Security Agency.
A two-time recipient of the Bronze Star, Ms. Easterly retired from the U.S. Army after more than twenty years of service in intelligence and cyber operations, including tours of duty in Haiti, the Balkans, Iraq, and Afghanistan. Responsible for standing up the Army’s first cyber battalion, Ms. Easterly was also instrumental in the design and creation of United States Cyber Command.
A member of the Council on Foreign Relations and a French-American Foundation Young Leader, Ms. Easterly is the past recipient of numerous fellowships, including the Aspen Finance Leaders Fellowship, the National Security Institute Visiting Fellowship, the New America Foundation Senior International Security Fellowship, the Council on Foreign Relations International Affairs Fellowship, and the Director, National Security Agency Fellowship.
A distinguished graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point, Ms. Easterly holds a master’s degree in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics from the University of Oxford, where she studied as a Rhodes Scholar. She is the recipient of the James W. Foley Legacy Foundation American Hostage Freedom Award and the Bradley W. Snyder Changing the Narrative Award.
Jen Easterly is the Director of the Department of Homeland Security’s Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA). Ms. Easterly was nominated by President Biden in April 2021 and unanimously confirmed by the Senate on July 12, 2021.
As Director, Ms. Easterly leads CISA’s efforts to protect and defend civilian government networks, manage systemic risk to national critical functions, and collaborate with State, Local, Tribal, and Territorial partners as well as with the private sector to ensure the security and resilience of the Nation’s cyber and physical infrastructure.
Before serving in her current role, Ms. Easterly was the head of Firm Resilience and the Fusion Resilience Center at Morgan Stanley, responsible for ensuring preparedness and response to business-disrupting operational incidents and risks. Ms. Easterly joined the Firm in 2017 to build and lead its Cybersecurity Fusion Center, the operational cornerstone of its cyber defense strategy.
Ms. Easterly has a long tradition of public service, to include two tours at the White House, most recently as Special Assistant to President Obama and Senior Director for Counterterrorism, and earlier as Executive Assistant to National Security Advisor Condoleezza Rice in the George W. Bush Administration. A former member of the Defense Intelligence Senior Executive Service, she also served as the Deputy for Counterterrorism at the National Security Agency.
A two-time recipient of the Bronze Star, Ms. Easterly retired from the U.S. Army after more than twenty years of service in intelligence and cyber operations, including tours of duty in Haiti, the Balkans, Iraq, and Afghanistan. Responsible for standing up the Army’s first cyber battalion, Ms. Easterly was also instrumental in the design and creation of United States Cyber Command.
A member of the Council on Foreign Relations and a French-American Foundation Young Leader, Ms. Easterly is the past recipient of numerous fellowships, including the Aspen Finance Leaders Fellowship, the National Security Institute Visiting Fellowship, the New America Foundation Senior International Security Fellowship, the Council on Foreign Relations International Affairs Fellowship, and the Director, National Security Agency Fellowship.
A distinguished graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point, Ms. Easterly holds a master’s degree in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics from the University of Oxford, where she studied as a Rhodes Scholar. She is the recipient of the James W. Foley Legacy Foundation American Hostage Freedom Award and the Bradley W. Snyder Changing the Narrative Award.
Christy Abizaid
Director of the National Counterterrorism Center
Christine “Christy” Abizaid was sworn in as the Director of the National Counterterrorism Center on June 29, 2021. She is the eighth Senate-confirmed Director and the first woman to lead the United States’ counterterrorism enterprise.
Possessing 14 years of national security experience, Abizaid has served in key leadership positions. During the Obama Administration, Christy served as the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Central Asia.
Prior to joining the Office of the Secretary of Defense, Abizaid served on the National Security Council Staff as both Director for Counterterrorism and Senior Policy Advisor to the Assistant to the President for Homeland Security and Counterterrorism. She also served for seven years with the Defense Intelligence Agency’s (DIA) Joint Intelligence Task Force Combating Terrorism as the Senior Intelligence Analyst in the Afghanistan-Pakistan Division and the Iraq/Middle East Division. During this time she deployed several times throughout the Middle East, including a tour as the senior DIA counterterrorism representative in Iraq.
Abizaid most recently served as an executive at Dell Technologies in its Global Operations organization, where she led supply chain assurance initiatives.
A decorated intelligence officer, Abizaid has received the Office of the Director of National Intelligence Award, the National Military Intelligence Association John T. Hughes Award, and the DIA Meritorious Civilian Service Award. Abizaid holds a B.A. in psychology from the University of California, San Diego, and an M.A. in international policy studies from Stanford University.
Christine “Christy” Abizaid was sworn in as the Director of the National Counterterrorism Center on June 29, 2021. She is the eighth Senate-confirmed Director and the first woman to lead the United States’ counterterrorism enterprise.
Possessing 14 years of national security experience, Abizaid has served in key leadership positions. During the Obama Administration, Christy served as the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Central Asia.
Prior to joining the Office of the Secretary of Defense, Abizaid served on the National Security Council Staff as both Director for Counterterrorism and Senior Policy Advisor to the Assistant to the President for Homeland Security and Counterterrorism. She also served for seven years with the Defense Intelligence Agency’s (DIA) Joint Intelligence Task Force Combating Terrorism as the Senior Intelligence Analyst in the Afghanistan-Pakistan Division and the Iraq/Middle East Division. During this time she deployed several times throughout the Middle East, including a tour as the senior DIA counterterrorism representative in Iraq.
Abizaid most recently served as an executive at Dell Technologies in its Global Operations organization, where she led supply chain assurance initiatives.
A decorated intelligence officer, Abizaid has received the Office of the Director of National Intelligence Award, the National Military Intelligence Association John T. Hughes Award, and the DIA Meritorious Civilian Service Award. Abizaid holds a B.A. in psychology from the University of California, San Diego, and an M.A. in international policy studies from Stanford University.
Lieutenant General Michael Groen
Director of Joint Artificial Intelligence Center
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Lieutenant General Michael S. Groen assumed his current position as the Director, Joint Artificial Intelligence Center on 1 October 2020. As a member of the JAIC team, he leads the transformation of U.S. Joint warfighting and departmental processes through the integration of Artificial Intelligence.
Prior to this nomination, General Groen was assigned to the National Security Agency and served as the Deputy Chief of Computer Network Operations, leading this premier Computer Network Exploitation organization. In 2018/2019, he served as the Director for Intelligence, Joint Staff (J2) in direct support of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs and the Joint Staff. He also served as the Vice J2. Prior to his Joint Staff assignments, General Groen served as the Director of Marine Corps Intelligence (DIRINT) where he championed the redesign of intelligence capabilities into a Marine Corps Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance Enterprise (MCISRE).
General Groen has served in a variety of operational, ground, air, and naval units. His service has included Central America, the Western Pacific, the Philippines, the Balkans and Iraq, General Groen served afloat with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit and supported aviation units in the U.S. and Okinawa. In 2003, he was assigned to the 1st Marine Division. He initially served as the Deputy Intelligence officer, then became the Intelligence Officer (G-2) in 2004. He has supported both conventional combat and counter-insurgency operations. General Groen was a principal in the redesign of Marine Intelligence to meet the emerging demands of the Global War on Terror. Later, General Groen served with the U.S. European Command as the Chief of Intelligence Planning for Europe and Africa. He was instrumental in transitioning intelligence processes into the Joint Intelligence Operations Center.
General Groen has commanded intelligence and operational units including the 3d Radio Battalion (conducting its first deployment to the Southern Philippines in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM) and the Headquarters Battalion, 1st Marine Division in Camp Pendleton, California. He was also given additional duties as the Division’s Chief of Staff. As a perpetual change-agent, he has served as a Combat Development, Requirements, and Acquisition officer. He served as the initial Director of the Commandant's Amphibious Capabilities Working Group (Capabilities), the Ellis Group (Expeditionary Futures) and as the Director of the Commandant of the Marine Corps Strategic Initiatives Group (SIG).
General Groen is a graduate of Calvin College in Grand Rapids, MI with a Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering. He has received multiple Master’s Degrees from the University of Southern California (Systems Management) and from the Naval Postgraduate School (Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics.) General Groen is a graduate of the Marine Corps Command and Staff College and the Naval War College.
General Groen's personal decorations include the Defense Superior Service Medal, the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star, and the Combat Action Ribbon.
General Groen is a native of Michigan with three sons.
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Lieutenant General Michael S. Groen assumed his current position as the Director, Joint Artificial Intelligence Center on 1 October 2020. As a member of the JAIC team, he leads the transformation of U.S. Joint warfighting and departmental processes through the integration of Artificial Intelligence.
Prior to this nomination, General Groen was assigned to the National Security Agency and served as the Deputy Chief of Computer Network Operations, leading this premier Computer Network Exploitation organization. In 2018/2019, he served as the Director for Intelligence, Joint Staff (J2) in direct support of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs and the Joint Staff. He also served as the Vice J2. Prior to his Joint Staff assignments, General Groen served as the Director of Marine Corps Intelligence (DIRINT) where he championed the redesign of intelligence capabilities into a Marine Corps Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance Enterprise (MCISRE).
General Groen has served in a variety of operational, ground, air, and naval units. His service has included Central America, the Western Pacific, the Philippines, the Balkans and Iraq, General Groen served afloat with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit and supported aviation units in the U.S. and Okinawa. In 2003, he was assigned to the 1st Marine Division. He initially served as the Deputy Intelligence officer, then became the Intelligence Officer (G-2) in 2004. He has supported both conventional combat and counter-insurgency operations. General Groen was a principal in the redesign of Marine Intelligence to meet the emerging demands of the Global War on Terror. Later, General Groen served with the U.S. European Command as the Chief of Intelligence Planning for Europe and Africa. He was instrumental in transitioning intelligence processes into the Joint Intelligence Operations Center.
General Groen has commanded intelligence and operational units including the 3d Radio Battalion (conducting its first deployment to the Southern Philippines in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM) and the Headquarters Battalion, 1st Marine Division in Camp Pendleton, California. He was also given additional duties as the Division’s Chief of Staff. As a perpetual change-agent, he has served as a Combat Development, Requirements, and Acquisition officer. He served as the initial Director of the Commandant's Amphibious Capabilities Working Group (Capabilities), the Ellis Group (Expeditionary Futures) and as the Director of the Commandant of the Marine Corps Strategic Initiatives Group (SIG).
General Groen is a graduate of Calvin College in Grand Rapids, MI with a Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering. He has received multiple Master’s Degrees from the University of Southern California (Systems Management) and from the Naval Postgraduate School (Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics.) General Groen is a graduate of the Marine Corps Command and Staff College and the Naval War College.
General Groen's personal decorations include the Defense Superior Service Medal, the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star, and the Combat Action Ribbon.
General Groen is a native of Michigan with three sons.
Tonya Ugoretz
Deputy Assistant Director, FBI Cyber Division
Tonya Ugoretz is a Deputy Assistant Director in FBI’s Cyber Division where she oversees 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 a Deputy Assistant Director in FBI’s Cyber Division where she oversees 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.
Rob Joyce
Director of Cybersecurity, NSA
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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.
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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.
Dr. Peter Highnam
Deputy Director of DARPA
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Dr. Peter Highnam became the deputy director of the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) in February 2018. Before coming to DARPA, Dr. Highnam was the director of research at the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA), on assignment from the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI), for two and a half years. Prior to that assignment, he served six years at the ODNI’s Intelligence Advanced Research Projects Activity (IARPA), initially as an office director, and then as director. Dr. Highnam worked from 2003 until 2009 in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Initially, he served as a senior advisor in the National Institutes of Health (NIH), with responsibilities in areas where high-performance computing intersects with biomedicine and public health, including computational epidemiology. Subsequently, he served as senior advisor to the director of the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), where he produced analyses in support of public health decision-making related to chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear events, as well as naturally occurring disease.
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Dr. Peter Highnam became the deputy director of the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) in February 2018. Before coming to DARPA, Dr. Highnam was the director of research at the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA), on assignment from the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI), for two and a half years. Prior to that assignment, he served six years at the ODNI’s Intelligence Advanced Research Projects Activity (IARPA), initially as an office director, and then as director. Dr. Highnam worked from 2003 until 2009 in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Initially, he served as a senior advisor in the National Institutes of Health (NIH), with responsibilities in areas where high-performance computing intersects with biomedicine and public health, including computational epidemiology. Subsequently, he served as senior advisor to the director of the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), where he produced analyses in support of public health decision-making related to chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear events, as well as naturally occurring disease.
Jennifer Ewbank
Deputy Director of CIA for Digital Innovation
Michael Orlando
Acting Director, National Counterintelligence and Security Center
Michael J. Orlando is a Senior Executive Service leader with more than 25 years of law enforcement, Intelligence Community, and military experience, including counterintelligence and counterterrorism investigations. Mr. Orlando joined the National Counterintelligence and Security Center in November, 2020, serving in the position of Deputy Director.
Mr. Orlando recently served as a Deputy Assistant Director in the Counterterrorism Division in the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). In that capacity, he was responsible for overseeing the business administration and operational support for the division, which included technology development, human resource matters, financial management, and private-sector partner engagements. Mr. Orlando also served as the acting head of the Counterterrorism Division and successfully managed several interagency crisis incident responses, including the attack at Pensacola Naval Air Station; Manda Airstrip, Kenya; as well as the domestic terrorism attacks in Jersey City, NJ, and Monsey, NY.
Mr. Orlando entered on duty as an FBI Special Agent in 2003 and was assigned to the Pittsburgh Division where he investigated counterintelligence matters. In his follow-on field assignment to the Washington Field Office, he worked on high priority counterintelligence special projects with multiple deployments to the People's Republic of China. In 2009, Mr. Orlando was the program manager assigned to a FBI task force where he coordinated counterintelligence operations in the Western Pacific and East Asia and led an interagency and foreign partner effort to disrupt foreign influence in the region.
In 2011, Mr. Orlando returned to the field and was assigned to the Honolulu Field Office where he oversaw the successful espionage investigation and conviction of a DoD contractor for passing national defense secrets to China. In 2013, Michael served as the principal deputy for the East Asia Section in the Counterintelligence Division, and in 2017 he served as Assistant Special Agent in Charge of the Washington Field Office, Counterintelligence Division, where he oversaw the successful disruption of Russian clandestine foreign agent Maria Butina. In 2018, he helped create the Counterterrorism Division’s Iran Threat Task Force, now the Iran Mission Center, as its first Acting Section Chief.
Mr. Orlando has received the FBI Director’s Award for Outstanding Counterintelligence Investigation and has been awarded three Director of National Intelligence Awards for Counterintelligence Operations.
A native of New York, Mr. Orlando received his bachelor's degree in Economics and Management from the State University of New York, College at Cortland. In 2017, Michael attended Georgetown University's McDonough School of Business and earned a master’s in leadership. Prior to working for the FBI, he was an officer in the U.S. Army and was employed by the Central Intelligence Agency.
Michael J. Orlando is a Senior Executive Service leader with more than 25 years of law enforcement, Intelligence Community, and military experience, including counterintelligence and counterterrorism investigations. Mr. Orlando joined the National Counterintelligence and Security Center in November, 2020, serving in the position of Deputy Director.
Mr. Orlando recently served as a Deputy Assistant Director in the Counterterrorism Division in the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). In that capacity, he was responsible for overseeing the business administration and operational support for the division, which included technology development, human resource matters, financial management, and private-sector partner engagements. Mr. Orlando also served as the acting head of the Counterterrorism Division and successfully managed several interagency crisis incident responses, including the attack at Pensacola Naval Air Station; Manda Airstrip, Kenya; as well as the domestic terrorism attacks in Jersey City, NJ, and Monsey, NY.
Mr. Orlando entered on duty as an FBI Special Agent in 2003 and was assigned to the Pittsburgh Division where he investigated counterintelligence matters. In his follow-on field assignment to the Washington Field Office, he worked on high priority counterintelligence special projects with multiple deployments to the People's Republic of China. In 2009, Mr. Orlando was the program manager assigned to a FBI task force where he coordinated counterintelligence operations in the Western Pacific and East Asia and led an interagency and foreign partner effort to disrupt foreign influence in the region.
In 2011, Mr. Orlando returned to the field and was assigned to the Honolulu Field Office where he oversaw the successful espionage investigation and conviction of a DoD contractor for passing national defense secrets to China. In 2013, Michael served as the principal deputy for the East Asia Section in the Counterintelligence Division, and in 2017 he served as Assistant Special Agent in Charge of the Washington Field Office, Counterintelligence Division, where he oversaw the successful disruption of Russian clandestine foreign agent Maria Butina. In 2018, he helped create the Counterterrorism Division’s Iran Threat Task Force, now the Iran Mission Center, as its first Acting Section Chief.
Mr. Orlando has received the FBI Director’s Award for Outstanding Counterintelligence Investigation and has been awarded three Director of National Intelligence Awards for Counterintelligence Operations.
A native of New York, Mr. Orlando received his bachelor's degree in Economics and Management from the State University of New York, College at Cortland. In 2017, Michael attended Georgetown University's McDonough School of Business and earned a master’s in leadership. Prior to working for the FBI, he was an officer in the U.S. Army and was employed by the Central Intelligence Agency.
The Honorable Susan Gordon
Former PDDNI
Susan M. Gordon was sworn in as the fifth Principal Deputy Director of National Intelligence (PDDNI) on August 7, 2017. As PDDNI, Ms. Gordon assisted the DNI in leading the Intelligence Community (IC) and managing the ODNI. In particular, she focused on advancing intelligence integration across the IC, expanding outreach and partnerships, and driving innovation across the Community.
With nearly three decades of experience in the IC, Ms. Gordon has served in a variety of leadership roles spanning numerous intelligence organizations and disciplines. Most recently, Ms. Gordon served as the Deputy Director of the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) from 2015 to 2017. In this role, she helped the director lead the agency and manage the National System of Geospatial Intelligence. She drove NGA’s transformation to meet the challenges of a 21st century intelligence agency. She also championed agile governance, recruitment and retention of a diverse workforce, and expansion of geospatial intelligence services to the open marketplace. She is known for her commitment to diversity and inclusion and, to the women and men of the IC.
Prior to her assignment with NGA, Ms. Gordon served for 27 years at the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), rising to senior executive positions in each of the Agency’s four directorates: operations, analysis, science and technology, and support. She joined the CIA in 1980 as an analyst in the Office of Scientific and Weapons Research, and went on to serve as the Director of the Office of Advanced Analytic Tools, Director of Special Activities in the Directorate of Science and Technology, Director for Support, and ultimately in concurrent roles as Director of the Information Operations Center and the CIA Director’s senior advisor on cyber. In 1998, she designed and drove the formation of In-Q-Tel, a private, non-profit company whose primary purpose is to deliver innovative technology solutions for the agency and the IC. Ms. Gordon has been recognized for her creative executive leadership through numerous awards, including the Presidential Rank Award at the distinguished level.
Susan M. Gordon was sworn in as the fifth Principal Deputy Director of National Intelligence (PDDNI) on August 7, 2017. As PDDNI, Ms. Gordon assisted the DNI in leading the Intelligence Community (IC) and managing the ODNI. In particular, she focused on advancing intelligence integration across the IC, expanding outreach and partnerships, and driving innovation across the Community.
With nearly three decades of experience in the IC, Ms. Gordon has served in a variety of leadership roles spanning numerous intelligence organizations and disciplines. Most recently, Ms. Gordon served as the Deputy Director of the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) from 2015 to 2017. In this role, she helped the director lead the agency and manage the National System of Geospatial Intelligence. She drove NGA’s transformation to meet the challenges of a 21st century intelligence agency. She also championed agile governance, recruitment and retention of a diverse workforce, and expansion of geospatial intelligence services to the open marketplace. She is known for her commitment to diversity and inclusion and, to the women and men of the IC.
Prior to her assignment with NGA, Ms. Gordon served for 27 years at the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), rising to senior executive positions in each of the Agency’s four directorates: operations, analysis, science and technology, and support. She joined the CIA in 1980 as an analyst in the Office of Scientific and Weapons Research, and went on to serve as the Director of the Office of Advanced Analytic Tools, Director of Special Activities in the Directorate of Science and Technology, Director for Support, and ultimately in concurrent roles as Director of the Information Operations Center and the CIA Director’s senior advisor on cyber. In 1998, she designed and drove the formation of In-Q-Tel, a private, non-profit company whose primary purpose is to deliver innovative technology solutions for the agency and the IC. Ms. Gordon has been recognized for her creative executive leadership through numerous awards, including the Presidential Rank Award at the distinguished level.
Gen. Michael Hayden (Ret.)
Former Director of the CIA and the NSA
General Hayden is a retired four-star General in the United States Air Force; he was the Director of the Central Intelligence Agency from 2006-2009 and the Director of the National Security Agency from 1999-2005.
General Hayden is a retired four-star General in the United States Air Force; he was the Director of the Central Intelligence Agency from 2006-2009 and the Director of the National Security Agency from 1999-2005.
General Keith Alexander (Ret.)
Former Director of the NSA
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GEN (Ret.) Keith Alexander is the CEO and President of IronNet Cybersecurity. He served as the director of the National Security Agency and Chief of the Central Security Service from 2005-2014. He was also the first Commander, U.S. Cyber Command. Prior to those roles, GEN Alexander served as the Deputy Chief of Staff, Intelligence, Department of the Army and Commanding General of the U.S. Army Intelligence and Security Command.
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GEN (Ret.) Keith Alexander is the CEO and President of IronNet Cybersecurity. He served as the director of the National Security Agency and Chief of the Central Security Service from 2005-2014. He was also the first Commander, U.S. Cyber Command. Prior to those roles, GEN Alexander served as the Deputy Chief of Staff, Intelligence, Department of the Army and Commanding General of the U.S. Army Intelligence and Security Command.
Gen. David Petraeus (Ret.)
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Former Dir., CIA; Chairman of KKR Global Institute
General David H. Petraeus (US Army, Ret.) is a Partner and Chairman of the KKR Global Institute, which he established in May 2013. He is also a member of the boards of directors of Optiv and FirstStream, a venture investor in some 20 startups, and engaged in a variety of academic endeavors. Prior to joining KKR, General Petraeus served over 37 years in the U.S. military, culminating his career with six consecutive commands, five of which were in combat, including command of the Surge in Iraq, command of U.S. Central Command, and command of coalition forces in Afghanistan.
Former Dir., CIA; Chairman of KKR Global Institute
General David H. Petraeus (US Army, Ret.) is a Partner and Chairman of the KKR Global Institute, which he established in May 2013. He is also a member of the boards of directors of Optiv and FirstStream, a venture investor in some 20 startups, and engaged in a variety of academic endeavors. Prior to joining KKR, General Petraeus served over 37 years in the U.S. military, culminating his career with six consecutive commands, five of which were in combat, including command of the Surge in Iraq, command of U.S. Central Command, and command of coalition forces in Afghanistan.
Lt. Gen. James R. Clapper
Former U.S. Director of National Intelligence, Cipher Brief Expert
Lt. Gen. Clapper (ret.) served from 2010 – 2017 as the Director of National Intelligence. In that position, he led the United States intelligence community and served as the principal intelligence advisor to the President.
Previously, Clapper served in two administrations as the Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence, where he was the principal staff assistant and advisor to the Secretary and Deputy Secretary of Defense on intelligence, counterintelligence, and security matters for the Department. In this capacity, he was also dual-hatted as the Director of Defense Intelligence for DNI.
Earlier, he directed the National Imagery and Mapping Agency (NIMA), transforming it into the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) as it is today. He also served as a consultant and advisor to Congress and to the Departments of Defense and Energy and as a member of a wide variety of government panels, boards, commissions, and advisory groups.
Clapper, who began his military career as a rifleman in the U.S. Marine Corps, served two combat tours during the Southeast Asia conflict and flew 73 combat support missions in EC-47s over Laos and Cambodia. He was Assistant Chief of Staff for Intelligence at U.S. Air Force Headquarters during Operations Desert Shield/Desert Storm and Director of Intelligence for three war-fighting commands: U.S. Forces Korea, Pacific Command, and Strategic Air Command. Following his retirement from military service in 1995, Clapper worked in the private sector for six years as an executive in three companies focused on services for the intelligence community. He was a member of the Downing Assessment Task Force that investigated the Khobar Towers bombing in 1996, and was vice chairman of a commission chaired by former Gov. Jim Gilmore of Virginia on the subject of homeland security.
Clapper earned a bachelor’s degree in government and politics from the University of Maryland, a master’s degree in political science from St. Mary’s University, San Antonio, Texas, and an honorary doctorate from the Joint Military Intelligence College.
His awards include three National Intelligence Distinguished Service Medals, two Defense Distinguished Service Medals, the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal, the Coast Guard’s Distinguished Public Service Award, and the Department of Defense Distinguished Civilian Service Award. He has also received the NAACP’s National Distinguished Service Award and the Presidentially-conferred National Security Medal.
Lt. Gen. Clapper (ret.) served from 2010 – 2017 as the Director of National Intelligence. In that position, he led the United States intelligence community and served as the principal intelligence advisor to the President.
Previously, Clapper served in two administrations as the Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence, where he was the principal staff assistant and advisor to the Secretary and Deputy Secretary of Defense on intelligence, counterintelligence, and security matters for the Department. In this capacity, he was also dual-hatted as the Director of Defense Intelligence for DNI.
Earlier, he directed the National Imagery and Mapping Agency (NIMA), transforming it into the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) as it is today. He also served as a consultant and advisor to Congress and to the Departments of Defense and Energy and as a member of a wide variety of government panels, boards, commissions, and advisory groups.
Clapper, who began his military career as a rifleman in the U.S. Marine Corps, served two combat tours during the Southeast Asia conflict and flew 73 combat support missions in EC-47s over Laos and Cambodia. He was Assistant Chief of Staff for Intelligence at U.S. Air Force Headquarters during Operations Desert Shield/Desert Storm and Director of Intelligence for three war-fighting commands: U.S. Forces Korea, Pacific Command, and Strategic Air Command. Following his retirement from military service in 1995, Clapper worked in the private sector for six years as an executive in three companies focused on services for the intelligence community. He was a member of the Downing Assessment Task Force that investigated the Khobar Towers bombing in 1996, and was vice chairman of a commission chaired by former Gov. Jim Gilmore of Virginia on the subject of homeland security.
Clapper earned a bachelor’s degree in government and politics from the University of Maryland, a master’s degree in political science from St. Mary’s University, San Antonio, Texas, and an honorary doctorate from the Joint Military Intelligence College.
His awards include three National Intelligence Distinguished Service Medals, two Defense Distinguished Service Medals, the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal, the Coast Guard’s Distinguished Public Service Award, and the Department of Defense Distinguished Civilian Service Award. He has also received the NAACP’s National Distinguished Service Award and the Presidentially-conferred National Security Medal.
Christopher Krebs
Former Director of the CISA
Christopher Krebs served as the first director of the Department of Homeland Security’s Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA). Mr. Krebs was originally sworn in on June 15, 2018 as the Under Secretary for the predecessor of CISA, the National Protection and Programs Directorate (NPPD). Mr. Krebs was nominated for that position by President Trump in February 2018.
Before serving as CISA Director, Mr. Krebs was appointed in August 2017 as the Assistant Secretary for Infrastructure Protection. In the absence of a permanent NPPD Under Secretary at the time, Mr. Krebs took on the role of serving as the Senior Official Performing the Duties of the Under Secretary for NPPD until he was subsequently nominated as the Under Secretary and confirmed by the Senate the following year.
Mr. Krebs joined DHS in March 2017, first serving as Senior Counselor to the Secretary, where he advised DHS leadership on a range of cybersecurity, critical infrastructure, and national resilience issues. Prior to coming to DHS, he was a member of Microsoft’s U.S. Government Affairs team as the Director for Cybersecurity Policy, where he led Microsoft’s U.S. policy work on cybersecurity and technology issues.
Before Microsoft, Mr. Krebs advised industry and federal, state, and local government customers on a range of cybersecurity and risk management issues. This is his second tour working at DHS, previously serving as the Senior Advisor to the Assistant Secretary for Infrastructure Protection and playing a formative role in a number of national and international risk management programs.
As Director, Mr. Krebs oversaw CISA’s efforts to defend civilian networks, managed systemic risk to national critical functions, and worked with stakeholders to raise the security baseline of the Nation’s cyber and physical infrastructure.
Mr. Krebs holds a bachelor’s degree in environmental sciences from the University of Virginia and a J.D. from the Antonin Scalia Law School at George Mason University.
Christopher Krebs served as the first director of the Department of Homeland Security’s Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA). Mr. Krebs was originally sworn in on June 15, 2018 as the Under Secretary for the predecessor of CISA, the National Protection and Programs Directorate (NPPD). Mr. Krebs was nominated for that position by President Trump in February 2018.
Before serving as CISA Director, Mr. Krebs was appointed in August 2017 as the Assistant Secretary for Infrastructure Protection. In the absence of a permanent NPPD Under Secretary at the time, Mr. Krebs took on the role of serving as the Senior Official Performing the Duties of the Under Secretary for NPPD until he was subsequently nominated as the Under Secretary and confirmed by the Senate the following year.
Mr. Krebs joined DHS in March 2017, first serving as Senior Counselor to the Secretary, where he advised DHS leadership on a range of cybersecurity, critical infrastructure, and national resilience issues. Prior to coming to DHS, he was a member of Microsoft’s U.S. Government Affairs team as the Director for Cybersecurity Policy, where he led Microsoft’s U.S. policy work on cybersecurity and technology issues.
Before Microsoft, Mr. Krebs advised industry and federal, state, and local government customers on a range of cybersecurity and risk management issues. This is his second tour working at DHS, previously serving as the Senior Advisor to the Assistant Secretary for Infrastructure Protection and playing a formative role in a number of national and international risk management programs.
As Director, Mr. Krebs oversaw CISA’s efforts to defend civilian networks, managed systemic risk to national critical functions, and worked with stakeholders to raise the security baseline of the Nation’s cyber and physical infrastructure.
Mr. Krebs holds a bachelor’s degree in environmental sciences from the University of Virginia and a J.D. from the Antonin Scalia Law School at George Mason University.
Kristin Wood
Former CIA Deputy Chief, Innovation and Technology Group, Open Source Center
During her 20-year CIA career, Ms. Wood served in the Director’s area and three Agency directorates – analysis, operations, and digital innovation – leading a wide variety of the Agency’s missions in positions of increasing authority. Among her key Agency assignments were Deputy Chief of the Innovation & Technology Group at the Open Source Center (OSC). She led OSC’s open-source IT and innovation efforts to extract meaning from big data by guiding multi-disciplinary teams of analysts, data scientists, engineers, programmers and developers in creating tools, methodologies and infrastructure for the future. She also led the analytic team in the Office of the Director of Central Intelligence, partnering across CIA to present the CIA Director and the Agency’s most senior leaders with the intelligence they needed to represent the Agency with the White House, Congress and foreign partners. She was responsible for founding and leading a new regional Directorate of Operations (DO) division focused on the Middle East as its deputy chief, the first analyst ever selected for this honor. She led the Agency’s Advanced Analyst Program in the Directorate of Analysis’ (DA’s) Sherman Kent School, creating a program of study, overseeing the development, design and teaching of advanced tradecraft courses to experienced analysts.
As the Bush Administration was considering whether to go to war, Ms. Wood was asked to lead the team examining al-Qai’da’s ties in the Middle East in the Office of Terrorism Analysis in the Counterterrorism Center (CTC). She served a long stint as a briefer for the President’s Daily Brief (PDB), serving the Vice President’s National Security Advisor—and frequently the Vice President—in the lead up to and after the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
During her career she also served as an analyst overseas in the Middle East, a military analyst during the Balkans war, and an imagery analyst during the first Persian Gulf War. Ms. Wood graduated from Occidental College with an Advanced Bachelor’s in Political Science. She has two sons and a highly entertaining Wheaten Terrier.
During her 20-year CIA career, Ms. Wood served in the Director’s area and three Agency directorates – analysis, operations, and digital innovation – leading a wide variety of the Agency’s missions in positions of increasing authority. Among her key Agency assignments were Deputy Chief of the Innovation & Technology Group at the Open Source Center (OSC). She led OSC’s open-source IT and innovation efforts to extract meaning from big data by guiding multi-disciplinary teams of analysts, data scientists, engineers, programmers and developers in creating tools, methodologies and infrastructure for the future. She also led the analytic team in the Office of the Director of Central Intelligence, partnering across CIA to present the CIA Director and the Agency’s most senior leaders with the intelligence they needed to represent the Agency with the White House, Congress and foreign partners. She was responsible for founding and leading a new regional Directorate of Operations (DO) division focused on the Middle East as its deputy chief, the first analyst ever selected for this honor. She led the Agency’s Advanced Analyst Program in the Directorate of Analysis’ (DA’s) Sherman Kent School, creating a program of study, overseeing the development, design and teaching of advanced tradecraft courses to experienced analysts.
As the Bush Administration was considering whether to go to war, Ms. Wood was asked to lead the team examining al-Qai’da’s ties in the Middle East in the Office of Terrorism Analysis in the Counterterrorism Center (CTC). She served a long stint as a briefer for the President’s Daily Brief (PDB), serving the Vice President’s National Security Advisor—and frequently the Vice President—in the lead up to and after the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
During her career she also served as an analyst overseas in the Middle East, a military analyst during the Balkans war, and an imagery analyst during the first Persian Gulf War. Ms. Wood graduated from Occidental College with an Advanced Bachelor’s in Political Science. She has two sons and a highly entertaining Wheaten Terrier.
Sir Jeremy Fleming
Director of GCHQ (UK)
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Sir Jeremy Fleming is the Director of GCHQ, the UK’s Intelligence, Cyber and Security Agency. He was appointed in 2017 and is the 16th person to hold the role.
After an early career in the financial sector, Jeremy joined MI5 in 1993. He gained extensive operational, investigative and leadership experience across the full range of national security work. He helped shape MI5’s response to the London terrorist attacks in 2005, led the revision and publication of the Government’s counter-terrorism strategy, CONTEST, and was promoted to Assistant Director General to lead MI5’s preparations for the London 2012 Olympics. He then spent four years as Deputy Director General with responsibility for all investigations and operations.
In GCHQ, Jeremy has overseen the creation of the National Cyber Security Centre with a mission to make the UK the safest place to live and do business online. It has become a world leader in bringing together Government, industry and international partners to address cyber threats and inform the public. Jeremy has led a significant period of growth in the Agency, with the development of a strategic base in Manchester and a focus on diversity and inclusion. In 2019 he led GCHQ’s centenary celebrations with the publication of a landmark official history. And in 2020, a new partnership with the MoD was announced to create a National Cyber Force charged with delivering cyber operations.
Jeremy was made a Companion of the Order of Bath in 2016 and Knight Commander of the Order of St Michael and St George (KCMG) in 2021 for services to national security. He is also Honorary Colonel of JSSO(V). He holds a degree in Economic and Social History from the University of Bristol and is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants and of the Institute of Engineering and Technology.
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Sir Jeremy Fleming is the Director of GCHQ, the UK’s Intelligence, Cyber and Security Agency. He was appointed in 2017 and is the 16th person to hold the role.
After an early career in the financial sector, Jeremy joined MI5 in 1993. He gained extensive operational, investigative and leadership experience across the full range of national security work. He helped shape MI5’s response to the London terrorist attacks in 2005, led the revision and publication of the Government’s counter-terrorism strategy, CONTEST, and was promoted to Assistant Director General to lead MI5’s preparations for the London 2012 Olympics. He then spent four years as Deputy Director General with responsibility for all investigations and operations.
In GCHQ, Jeremy has overseen the creation of the National Cyber Security Centre with a mission to make the UK the safest place to live and do business online. It has become a world leader in bringing together Government, industry and international partners to address cyber threats and inform the public. Jeremy has led a significant period of growth in the Agency, with the development of a strategic base in Manchester and a focus on diversity and inclusion. In 2019 he led GCHQ’s centenary celebrations with the publication of a landmark official history. And in 2020, a new partnership with the MoD was announced to create a National Cyber Force charged with delivering cyber operations.
Jeremy was made a Companion of the Order of Bath in 2016 and Knight Commander of the Order of St Michael and St George (KCMG) in 2021 for services to national security. He is also Honorary Colonel of JSSO(V). He holds a degree in Economic and Social History from the University of Bristol and is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants and of the Institute of Engineering and Technology.
Nick Fishwick
Former Senior Member, of the British Foreign Office
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Nick Fishwick CMG retired in 2012 after nearly thirty years in the British Foreign Service. He did postings in Lagos, Istanbul and Kabul. His responsibilities in London included director of security and, after returning from Afghanistan in 2007, director for counter-terrorism. His final role was as director general for international operations. Nick Fishwick also spent three years on a secondment to UK Customs, specialising in international drug enforcement and tax evasion issues.
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Nick Fishwick CMG retired in 2012 after nearly thirty years in the British Foreign Service. He did postings in Lagos, Istanbul and Kabul. His responsibilities in London included director of security and, after returning from Afghanistan in 2007, director for counter-terrorism. His final role was as director general for international operations. Nick Fishwick also spent three years on a secondment to UK Customs, specialising in international drug enforcement and tax evasion issues.
Rick Ledgett
Former Deputy Director of the NSA
Rick Ledgett served as the Deputy Director of the National Security Agency from January 2014 until his retirement in April 2017, culminating a nearly 40 year career in cryptology at NSA and in the U.S. Army. He previously led the Media Leaks Task Force, the Agency’s response to the Snowden leaks. He was the first National Intelligence Manager for Cyber at the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, and he directed NSA’s 24/7 cyber threat operations center. Ledgett currently serves on the board of M&T Bank, is a senior visiting fellow at MITRE, a member of the National Infrastructure Advisory Council, and a Board Trustee at IDA.
Rick Ledgett served as the Deputy Director of the National Security Agency from January 2014 until his retirement in April 2017, culminating a nearly 40 year career in cryptology at NSA and in the U.S. Army. He previously led the Media Leaks Task Force, the Agency’s response to the Snowden leaks. He was the first National Intelligence Manager for Cyber at the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, and he directed NSA’s 24/7 cyber threat operations center. Ledgett currently serves on the board of M&T Bank, is a senior visiting fellow at MITRE, a member of the National Infrastructure Advisory Council, and a Board Trustee at IDA.
Paul Kolbe
Director of The Intelligence Project at Harvard University’s Belfer Center
Paul Kolbe is Director of The Intelligence Project at Harvard University’s Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs. Prior to this, Kolbe led BP’s global Intelligence and Analysis team supporting threat warning, risk mitigation, and crisis response. Prior to joining BP, Kolbe served 25 years as an operations officer in the CIA. He was a member of the Senior Intelligence Service, and is a recipient of the Intelligence Medal of Merit and the Distinguished Career Intelligence Medal. Mr. Kolbe served in Russia, the Balkans, Indonesia, East Germany, Zimbabwe, and Austria. In course of his career, he served as station chief and in a variety of senior operational leadership and training roles.
Paul Kolbe is Director of The Intelligence Project at Harvard University’s Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs. Prior to this, Kolbe led BP’s global Intelligence and Analysis team supporting threat warning, risk mitigation, and crisis response. Prior to joining BP, Kolbe served 25 years as an operations officer in the CIA. He was a member of the Senior Intelligence Service, and is a recipient of the Intelligence Medal of Merit and the Distinguished Career Intelligence Medal. Mr. Kolbe served in Russia, the Balkans, Indonesia, East Germany, Zimbabwe, and Austria. In course of his career, he served as station chief and in a variety of senior operational leadership and training roles.
2022 Conference Speakers
Chris Inglis
National Cyber Director
Chris Inglis currently serves as the first Senate-confirmed National Cyber Director and advisor to the President of the United States Joe Biden on cybersecurity. He previously worked as a U.S. Naval Academy Looker Distinguished Visiting Professor for Cyber Studies, as a managing director at Paladin Capital, a member of the boards of several public and private corporations, and as a Commissioner on the U.S. Cyberspace Solarium Commission. He retired from the Department of Defense in January 2014 after 41 years of federal service, including 28 years at the National Security Agency and seven and a half years as its Deputy Director. He served as a member of the Department of Defense Science Board and as a National Intelligence University trustee until early 2021.
A 1976 graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy, Inglis holds advanced degrees in engineering and computer science from Columbia University, Johns Hopkins University, and the George Washington University. Inglis’ military career includes 30 years of service in the US Air Force and Air National Guard — from which he retired as a command pilot at the rank of Brigadier General. He and his wife Anna have three grown children and reside in Annapolis, MD.
Chris Inglis currently serves as the first Senate-confirmed National Cyber Director and advisor to the President of the United States Joe Biden on cybersecurity. He previously worked as a U.S. Naval Academy Looker Distinguished Visiting Professor for Cyber Studies, as a managing director at Paladin Capital, a member of the boards of several public and private corporations, and as a Commissioner on the U.S. Cyberspace Solarium Commission. He retired from the Department of Defense in January 2014 after 41 years of federal service, including 28 years at the National Security Agency and seven and a half years as its Deputy Director. He served as a member of the Department of Defense Science Board and as a National Intelligence University trustee until early 2021.
A 1976 graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy, Inglis holds advanced degrees in engineering and computer science from Columbia University, Johns Hopkins University, and the George Washington University. Inglis’ military career includes 30 years of service in the US Air Force and Air National Guard — from which he retired as a command pilot at the rank of Brigadier General. He and his wife Anna have three grown children and reside in Annapolis, MD.
Vice Admiral Frank Whitworth
Director, 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 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 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.
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.
Rich Baich
Chief Information Security Officer and Director of the Office of Cyber Security, CIA
Joseph “Rich” Baich serves as CIA’s Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) and Director of the Office of Cyber Security (OCS).
Mr. Baich brings with him a wealth of technical leadership experience and cybersecurity expertise, including his most recent role as American Insurance Group’s (AIG) Global Chief Information Security Officer. At AIG, he was responsible for developing, implementing, and operating an information security strategy to address their global cyber risks. Previously, Mr. Baich was the CISO for Wells Fargo and a principal at Deloitte. His prior government experience includes retiring as an Information Warfare Officer in the US Navy for NSA and serving as Special Assistant to the Deputy Director for the National Infrastructure Protection Center at the FBI. As a member of our Digital C-Suite, he partners with the Chief Information Officer and Chief Data Officer to further integrate our approaches to cybersecurity, enterprise information technology, and data management.
Mr. Baich holds an MBA and a Master of Science in Financial Management from the University of Maryland University College, a Bachelor of Science from the United States Naval Academy, and is a graduate of the Joint Forces Staff College and Naval War College. During his military service, he qualified not only in surface warfare, but in a range of technical fields, including space, cryptology, and information warfare, all while maintaining numerous security industry certifications. He is the author of Winning as a CISO, a leadership sourcebook for security executives. In 2021, Mr. Baich was honored as one of the top 100 CISOs by CISO Connect and was selected by the Executive Women’s Forum (EWF) to receive their inaugural 2021 EWF Catalyst award. The EWF Catalyst award was presented to five outstanding male executives that have been exemplary in their engagement, commitment, and support of gender equality.
Joseph “Rich” Baich serves as CIA’s Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) and Director of the Office of Cyber Security (OCS).
Mr. Baich brings with him a wealth of technical leadership experience and cybersecurity expertise, including his most recent role as American Insurance Group’s (AIG) Global Chief Information Security Officer. At AIG, he was responsible for developing, implementing, and operating an information security strategy to address their global cyber risks. Previously, Mr. Baich was the CISO for Wells Fargo and a principal at Deloitte. His prior government experience includes retiring as an Information Warfare Officer in the US Navy for NSA and serving as Special Assistant to the Deputy Director for the National Infrastructure Protection Center at the FBI. As a member of our Digital C-Suite, he partners with the Chief Information Officer and Chief Data Officer to further integrate our approaches to cybersecurity, enterprise information technology, and data management.
Mr. Baich holds an MBA and a Master of Science in Financial Management from the University of Maryland University College, a Bachelor of Science from the United States Naval Academy, and is a graduate of the Joint Forces Staff College and Naval War College. During his military service, he qualified not only in surface warfare, but in a range of technical fields, including space, cryptology, and information warfare, all while maintaining numerous security industry certifications. He is the author of Winning as a CISO, a leadership sourcebook for security executives. In 2021, Mr. Baich was honored as one of the top 100 CISOs by CISO Connect and was selected by the Executive Women’s Forum (EWF) to receive their inaugural 2021 EWF Catalyst award. The EWF Catalyst award was presented to five outstanding male executives that have been exemplary in their engagement, commitment, and support of gender equality.
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.
Mark Munsell
Deputy Director of the Data and Digital Innovation Directorate, NGA
Mark Munsell is the Deputy Director of the Data and Digital Innovation Directorate at NGA.
Formerly, he was the Chief Technology Officer for the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency and the Deputy Director of the Chief Information Officer – IT Services Directorate.
Mark began his career in 1990 with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, where he was awarded the Department of Commerce Bronze Medal for software engineering work that transformed the nation’s nautical charting production system. In 1996, he joined the Defense Mapping Agency – an NGA predecessor agency – where he led the update of the agency’s aeronautical production systems.
Mark left DMA in 1997, and – after a stint with a government contractor – founded Internet Marine and Aviation Planning Services, or IMAPS, in 2000 to offer flight and maritime planning services to individuals, industry, and government via the Internet. He returned to government service with NGA in 2006, and has since served as the Chief of the Precision Engagement Division, Office of Targeting and Transnational Issues; as the Senior Officer for Targeting Issues; as the Deputy Director, Aeronautical Navigation Office; and as Director, Office of Targeting and Transnational Issues.
Mark is the recipient of the Presidential Rank Award and NGA’s Distinguished Civilian Medal, and – for the record – is not a member of the Flat Earth Society.
Mark Munsell is the Deputy Director of the Data and Digital Innovation Directorate at NGA.
Formerly, he was the Chief Technology Officer for the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency and the Deputy Director of the Chief Information Officer – IT Services Directorate.
Mark began his career in 1990 with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, where he was awarded the Department of Commerce Bronze Medal for software engineering work that transformed the nation’s nautical charting production system. In 1996, he joined the Defense Mapping Agency – an NGA predecessor agency – where he led the update of the agency’s aeronautical production systems.
Mark left DMA in 1997, and – after a stint with a government contractor – founded Internet Marine and Aviation Planning Services, or IMAPS, in 2000 to offer flight and maritime planning services to individuals, industry, and government via the Internet. He returned to government service with NGA in 2006, and has since served as the Chief of the Precision Engagement Division, Office of Targeting and Transnational Issues; as the Senior Officer for Targeting Issues; as the Deputy Director, Aeronautical Navigation Office; and as Director, Office of Targeting and Transnational Issues.
Mark is the recipient of the Presidential Rank Award and NGA’s Distinguished Civilian Medal, and – for the record – is not a member of the Flat Earth Society.
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.
Laura Galante
Director, Cyber Threat Intelligence Integration Center, Office of the Director of National Intelligence
Laura currently serves as the US Intelligence Community's Cyber Executive and Director of the Cyber Threat Intelligence Integration Center for the Office of the Director of National Intelligence.
Recognized as a leading authority on state cyber operations, Laura founded Galante Strategies in 2017 to equip governments and corporations to respond effectively to cyber and information threats. Her recent work includes directing analysis for the Ukrainian Election Task Force, developing a security framework for the Ukrainian government, and serving as an expert witness for cyber warfare and espionage claims.
A Senior Fellow in the Atlantic Council’s Eurasia Center, Laura previously served as the Director of Global Intelligence at cybersecurity company, FireEye Inc. (formerly Mandiant). Her teams exposed Russian and Chinese military operations and authored numerous public intelligence reports. Prior to FireEye, she led a team analyzing state cyber capabilities for the U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency.
Laura currently serves as the US Intelligence Community's Cyber Executive and Director of the Cyber Threat Intelligence Integration Center for the Office of the Director of National Intelligence.
Recognized as a leading authority on state cyber operations, Laura founded Galante Strategies in 2017 to equip governments and corporations to respond effectively to cyber and information threats. Her recent work includes directing analysis for the Ukrainian Election Task Force, developing a security framework for the Ukrainian government, and serving as an expert witness for cyber warfare and espionage claims.
A Senior Fellow in the Atlantic Council’s Eurasia Center, Laura previously served as the Director of Global Intelligence at cybersecurity company, FireEye Inc. (formerly Mandiant). Her teams exposed Russian and Chinese military operations and authored numerous public intelligence reports. Prior to FireEye, she led a team analyzing state cyber capabilities for the U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency.
Kiersten Todt
Chief of Staff, CISA
Kiersten E. Todt is the Chief of Staff at the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA). As the Chief of Staff, she is responsible for the planning, allocation of resources, and development of long-range objectives in support of the department's goals and milestones; she provides strategic vision, guidance, and direction to ensure CISA's Director is prepared to interdict or respond to threats to the homeland.
Prior to her role at CISA, Kiersten served as the Managing Director of the Cyber Readiness Institute (CRI), a non-profit initiative that convenes senior executives of global companies to develop free cybersecurity tools and resources for small businesses, worldwide. She co-founded CRI in 2017 with the CEOs of Mastercard, Microsoft, PSP Partners, and the retired CEO of IBM. She was also the non-resident scholar at the University of Pittsburgh Institute for Cyber Law, Policy, and Security.
Prior to her CRI role, Ms. Todt was the CEO of Liberty Group Ventures, LLC (LGV), where she developed risk and crisis management solutions for cybersecurity, infrastructure, homeland security, emergency management, and higher education clients in the public, private, and non-profit sectors. Ms. Todt advised senior executives and Boards on cyber risk management, including the development and execution of tabletop exercises and senior-level education and training programs. She also provided strategic advice and counsel to senior leaders in industry and government. Ms. Todt was a member of the team supporting the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in the development of the Voluntary Cybersecurity Framework called for in President Obama's 2013 Executive Order 13636 on cybersecurity.
She most recently served in the federal government in 2016 as the Executive Director of President Obama's independent, bipartisan Commission on Enhancing National Cybersecurity. In this role, she led the twelve commissioners, who were leaders from industry, government, academia, and law enforcement, to develop a consensus document of cybersecurity recommendations for the incoming Administration.
Kiersten E. Todt is the Chief of Staff at the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA). As the Chief of Staff, she is responsible for the planning, allocation of resources, and development of long-range objectives in support of the department's goals and milestones; she provides strategic vision, guidance, and direction to ensure CISA's Director is prepared to interdict or respond to threats to the homeland.
Prior to her role at CISA, Kiersten served as the Managing Director of the Cyber Readiness Institute (CRI), a non-profit initiative that convenes senior executives of global companies to develop free cybersecurity tools and resources for small businesses, worldwide. She co-founded CRI in 2017 with the CEOs of Mastercard, Microsoft, PSP Partners, and the retired CEO of IBM. She was also the non-resident scholar at the University of Pittsburgh Institute for Cyber Law, Policy, and Security.
Prior to her CRI role, Ms. Todt was the CEO of Liberty Group Ventures, LLC (LGV), where she developed risk and crisis management solutions for cybersecurity, infrastructure, homeland security, emergency management, and higher education clients in the public, private, and non-profit sectors. Ms. Todt advised senior executives and Boards on cyber risk management, including the development and execution of tabletop exercises and senior-level education and training programs. She also provided strategic advice and counsel to senior leaders in industry and government. Ms. Todt was a member of the team supporting the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in the development of the Voluntary Cybersecurity Framework called for in President Obama's 2013 Executive Order 13636 on cybersecurity.
She most recently served in the federal government in 2016 as the Executive Director of President Obama's independent, bipartisan Commission on Enhancing National Cybersecurity. In this role, she led the twelve commissioners, who were leaders from industry, government, academia, and law enforcement, to develop a consensus document of cybersecurity recommendations for the incoming Administration.
Cynthia Kaiser
Section Chief for Cyber National Security Intelligence, FBI
Cynthia Kaiser is an acting Deputy Assistant Director with FBI Cyber Division. She has covered cyber, technology, and counterintelligence issues for over 16 years for the FBI and has led FBI cyber threat analysis since 2017. In this role, she serves as an FBI lead for cyber threats to elections, meets regularly with the private sector and state and local government officials, promotes information sharing across all levels of government, and collaborates with partners to help place the FBI in the best position possible to impose 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 an acting Deputy Assistant Director with FBI Cyber Division. She has covered cyber, technology, and counterintelligence issues for over 16 years for the FBI and has led FBI cyber threat analysis since 2017. In this role, she serves as an FBI lead for cyber threats to elections, meets regularly with the private sector and state and local government officials, promotes information sharing across all levels of government, and collaborates with partners to help place the FBI in the best position possible to impose 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.
Michael Orlando
Acting Director, National Counterintelligence and Security Center
Michael J. Orlando is a Senior Executive Service leader with more than 25 years of law enforcement, Intelligence Community, and military experience, including counterintelligence and counterterrorism investigations. Mr. Orlando joined the National Counterintelligence and Security Center (NCSC) in November 2020 as the Deputy Director and is currently the Senior Official Performing the Duties of the Director of NCSC.
Mr. Orlando brings extensive counterintelligence experience to his post at NCSC, having received the FBI Director's Award for Outstanding Counterintelligence Investigation and three Director of National Intelligence Awards for Counterintelligence Operations.
Mr. Orlando entered on duty as an FBI Special Agent in 2003 and was assigned to the Pittsburgh Division where he investigated counterintelligence matters. In his follow-on field assignment to the Washington Field Office, he worked on high-priority counterintelligence special projects with multiple deployments to the People's Republic of China. In 2009, Mr. Orlando was the program manager assigned to an FBI task force where he coordinated counterintelligence operations in the Western Pacific and East Asia and led an interagency and foreign partner effort to disrupt foreign influence in the region.
In 2011, Mr. Orlando returned to the field and was assigned to the Honolulu Field Office where he oversaw the successful espionage investigation and conviction of a DOD contractor for passing national defense secrets to China. In 2013, Michael served as the principal deputy for the East Asia Section in the Counterintelligence Division, and in 2017 he served as Assistant Special Agent in Charge of the Washington Field Office, Counterintelligence Division, where he oversaw the successful disruption of Russian clandestine foreign agent Maria Butina. In 2018, he helped create the Counterterrorism Division’s Iran Threat Task Force, now the Iran Mission Center, as its first Acting Section Chief.
Immediately before joining NCSC, Mr. Orlando served as a Deputy Assistant Director in the Counterterrorism Division at the FBI. In that capacity, he was responsible for overseeing the business administration and operational support for the division, which included technology development, human resource matters, financial management, and private-sector partner engagements. Mr. Orlando also served as the acting head of the Counterterrorism Division and successfully managed several interagency crisis incident responses, including the attack at Pensacola Naval Air Station; Manda Airstrip, Kenya; as well as the domestic terrorism attacks in Jersey City, NJ, and Monsey, NY.
Prior to working for the FBI, Mr. Orlando was an officer in the U.S. Army and was employed by the Central Intelligence Agency.
Michael J. Orlando is a Senior Executive Service leader with more than 25 years of law enforcement, Intelligence Community, and military experience, including counterintelligence and counterterrorism investigations. Mr. Orlando joined the National Counterintelligence and Security Center (NCSC) in November 2020 as the Deputy Director and is currently the Senior Official Performing the Duties of the Director of NCSC.
Mr. Orlando brings extensive counterintelligence experience to his post at NCSC, having received the FBI Director's Award for Outstanding Counterintelligence Investigation and three Director of National Intelligence Awards for Counterintelligence Operations.
Mr. Orlando entered on duty as an FBI Special Agent in 2003 and was assigned to the Pittsburgh Division where he investigated counterintelligence matters. In his follow-on field assignment to the Washington Field Office, he worked on high-priority counterintelligence special projects with multiple deployments to the People's Republic of China. In 2009, Mr. Orlando was the program manager assigned to an FBI task force where he coordinated counterintelligence operations in the Western Pacific and East Asia and led an interagency and foreign partner effort to disrupt foreign influence in the region.
In 2011, Mr. Orlando returned to the field and was assigned to the Honolulu Field Office where he oversaw the successful espionage investigation and conviction of a DOD contractor for passing national defense secrets to China. In 2013, Michael served as the principal deputy for the East Asia Section in the Counterintelligence Division, and in 2017 he served as Assistant Special Agent in Charge of the Washington Field Office, Counterintelligence Division, where he oversaw the successful disruption of Russian clandestine foreign agent Maria Butina. In 2018, he helped create the Counterterrorism Division’s Iran Threat Task Force, now the Iran Mission Center, as its first Acting Section Chief.
Immediately before joining NCSC, Mr. Orlando served as a Deputy Assistant Director in the Counterterrorism Division at the FBI. In that capacity, he was responsible for overseeing the business administration and operational support for the division, which included technology development, human resource matters, financial management, and private-sector partner engagements. Mr. Orlando also served as the acting head of the Counterterrorism Division and successfully managed several interagency crisis incident responses, including the attack at Pensacola Naval Air Station; Manda Airstrip, Kenya; as well as the domestic terrorism attacks in Jersey City, NJ, and Monsey, NY.
Prior to working for the FBI, Mr. Orlando was an officer in the U.S. Army and was employed by the Central Intelligence Agency.
Laura Dehmlow
Section Chief, Foreign Influence Task Force, FBI
Laura Dehmlow joined the FBI in 2007 as an intelligence analyst working national security issues and providing strategic perspective to FBI executives and policymakers, tactical support to FBI investigations, and threat awareness to private sector and other USG partners. In 2010, Laura served in Kabul, Afghanistan as an embedded analyst with the FBI's Counterterrorism program. In 2013 she promoted to Supervisory Intelligence Analyst and led a team that developed strategic national security analysis to inform US policymakers in Congress and at the White House.
In 2015, Laura served in Los Angeles as an acting Senior Supervisory Intelligence Analyst for national security issues. From 2017-2019, Laura served in a joint duty assignment at the Office of the Director of National Intelligence as the National Counterintelligence Officer for Economic Security and Threat Finance, driving counterintelligence efforts protecting emerging technologies and critical infrastructure and improving supply chain risk management.
In 2019, she returned to FBI Headquarters as a Unit Chief in the Foreign Influence Task Force (FITF). In 2021, Laura was promoted to the Senior Executive Service as Section Chief of the FITF, leading the FBI’s cross programmatic efforts to counter foreign malign influence targeting US democratic processes. She has a BA in Political Science from Colorado State University and an MA in Public Administration from the University of Florida.
Laura Dehmlow joined the FBI in 2007 as an intelligence analyst working national security issues and providing strategic perspective to FBI executives and policymakers, tactical support to FBI investigations, and threat awareness to private sector and other USG partners. In 2010, Laura served in Kabul, Afghanistan as an embedded analyst with the FBI's Counterterrorism program. In 2013 she promoted to Supervisory Intelligence Analyst and led a team that developed strategic national security analysis to inform US policymakers in Congress and at the White House.
In 2015, Laura served in Los Angeles as an acting Senior Supervisory Intelligence Analyst for national security issues. From 2017-2019, Laura served in a joint duty assignment at the Office of the Director of National Intelligence as the National Counterintelligence Officer for Economic Security and Threat Finance, driving counterintelligence efforts protecting emerging technologies and critical infrastructure and improving supply chain risk management.
In 2019, she returned to FBI Headquarters as a Unit Chief in the Foreign Influence Task Force (FITF). In 2021, Laura was promoted to the Senior Executive Service as Section Chief of the FITF, leading the FBI’s cross programmatic efforts to counter foreign malign influence targeting US democratic processes. She has a BA in Political Science from Colorado State University and an MA in Public Administration from the University of Florida.
Mark Montgomery
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.
The Honorable Susan Gordon
Former PDDNI / Partner, Gordon Ventures
Susan M. Gordon was sworn in as the fifth Principal Deputy Director of National Intelligence (PDDNI) on August 7, 2017. As PDDNI, Ms. Gordon assisted the DNI in leading the Intelligence Community (IC) and managing the ODNI. In particular, she focused on advancing intelligence integration across the IC, expanding outreach and partnerships, and driving innovation across the Community.
With nearly three decades of experience in the IC, Ms. Gordon has served in a variety of leadership roles spanning numerous intelligence organizations and disciplines. Most recently, Ms. Gordon served as the Deputy Director of the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) from 2015 to 2017. In this role, she helped the director lead the agency and manage the National System of Geospatial Intelligence. She drove NGA’s transformation to meet the challenges of a 21st century intelligence agency. She also championed agile governance, recruitment and retention of a diverse workforce, and expansion of geospatial intelligence services to the open marketplace. She is known for her commitment to diversity and inclusion and, to the women and men of the IC.
Prior to her assignment with NGA, Ms. Gordon served for 27 years at the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), rising to senior executive positions in each of the Agency’s four directorates: operations, analysis, science and technology, and support. She joined the CIA in 1980 as an analyst in the Office of Scientific and Weapons Research, and went on to serve as the Director of the Office of Advanced Analytic Tools, Director of Special Activities in the Directorate of Science and Technology, Director for Support, and ultimately in concurrent roles as Director of the Information Operations Center and the CIA Director’s senior advisor on cyber. In 1998, she designed and drove the formation of In-Q-Tel, a private, non-profit company whose primary purpose is to deliver innovative technology solutions for the agency and the IC. Ms. Gordon has been recognized for her creative executive leadership through numerous awards, including the Presidential Rank Award at the distinguished level.
Susan M. Gordon was sworn in as the fifth Principal Deputy Director of National Intelligence (PDDNI) on August 7, 2017. As PDDNI, Ms. Gordon assisted the DNI in leading the Intelligence Community (IC) and managing the ODNI. In particular, she focused on advancing intelligence integration across the IC, expanding outreach and partnerships, and driving innovation across the Community.
With nearly three decades of experience in the IC, Ms. Gordon has served in a variety of leadership roles spanning numerous intelligence organizations and disciplines. Most recently, Ms. Gordon served as the Deputy Director of the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) from 2015 to 2017. In this role, she helped the director lead the agency and manage the National System of Geospatial Intelligence. She drove NGA’s transformation to meet the challenges of a 21st century intelligence agency. She also championed agile governance, recruitment and retention of a diverse workforce, and expansion of geospatial intelligence services to the open marketplace. She is known for her commitment to diversity and inclusion and, to the women and men of the IC.
Prior to her assignment with NGA, Ms. Gordon served for 27 years at the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), rising to senior executive positions in each of the Agency’s four directorates: operations, analysis, science and technology, and support. She joined the CIA in 1980 as an analyst in the Office of Scientific and Weapons Research, and went on to serve as the Director of the Office of Advanced Analytic Tools, Director of Special Activities in the Directorate of Science and Technology, Director for Support, and ultimately in concurrent roles as Director of the Information Operations Center and the CIA Director’s senior advisor on cyber. In 1998, she designed and drove the formation of In-Q-Tel, a private, non-profit company whose primary purpose is to deliver innovative technology solutions for the agency and the IC. Ms. Gordon has been recognized for her creative executive leadership through numerous awards, including the Presidential Rank Award at the distinguished level.
Gen. Michael Hayden (Ret.)
Former Director, CIA and NSA
General Michael V. Hayden is a retired four-star General in the United States Air Force; he served as Director of the Central Intelligence Agency from 2006-2009 and as Director of the National Security Agency from 1999-2005.
General Michael V. Hayden is a retired four-star General in the United States Air Force; he served as Director of the Central Intelligence Agency from 2006-2009 and as Director of the National Security Agency from 1999-2005.
General David Petraeus (Ret.)
Chairman of KKR Global Institute / Former CIA Director
General David H. Petraeus (US Army, Ret.) is a Partner and Chairman of the KKR Global Institute, which he established in May 2013. He is a member of the boards of directors of Optiv and FirstStream, a venture investor in some 20 startups, and engaged in a variety of academic endeavors. Prior to joining KKR, General Petraeus served over 37 years in the U.S. military, including six consecutive commands, five of which were in combat, including command of the Surge in Iraq, command of U.S. Central Command, and command of coalition forces in Afghanistan.
General David H. Petraeus (US Army, Ret.) is a Partner and Chairman of the KKR Global Institute, which he established in May 2013. He is a member of the boards of directors of Optiv and FirstStream, a venture investor in some 20 startups, and engaged in a variety of academic endeavors. Prior to joining KKR, General Petraeus served over 37 years in the U.S. military, including six consecutive commands, five of which were in combat, including command of the Surge in Iraq, command of U.S. Central Command, and command of coalition forces in Afghanistan.
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