On August 5, 2025, the National Security Data and Policy Institute (NSDPI) at UVA announced the formation of its inaugural Policy Advisory Group (PAG). Composed of leaders in fields including AI automation, cybersecurity, tech investment, governmental advisory, and academia, the PAG will play a crucial role supporting the Institute as it continues to address our most pressing national security challenges.
“This team brings the experience and credibility needed to help us cross traditional boundaries and contribute solutions to hard national security problems.”
Dr. Phil Potter, Executive Director, NSDPI
Established a year ago, the NSDPI is UVA’s sixth university-level institute. It brings together academia, government, and industry to combine expertise in data science, artificial intelligence, research computing, and policy. The Institute processes data, forecasts threats, and guides decision makers, collaborating with partners across sectors to address critical issues.
The Policy Advisory Group will help frame strategy and research; the collective experience of this body makes it uniquely positioned to help the NSDPI meet objectives laid out by both the government and the University of Virginia. Convening at least twice a year, the PAG will review reports from the NSDPI executive director, receive updates on some of the Institute’s key programs and projects, and engage in robust discussions of strategy. These consultations will help ensure the NSDPI’s activities and priorities are informed by UVA goals, sponsor requirements, and the long-term trends affecting the national security environment.
The NSDPI’s inaugural 2025 Policy Advisory Group includes eleven top minds from a variety of professional backgrounds: Appian Founder and CTO Michael Beckley; Interos Founder and Executive Vice Chair Jennifer Bisceglie; University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Professor and Special Advisor to the Chancellor for Science and Policy Kelvin Droegemeier; Washington Harbour Partners Founder and CEO Mina Faltas; Genesis Park Founding and Managing Partner Paul Hobby; Oracle Executive Vice President of Government Defense and Intelligence Kim Lynch; BFM Seaward Chairman Byron Marchant; Darden School of Business Professor of Practice in Business Administration Meghan Murray; Hexagon US Federal CEO and President Chris Reichert; Hunton Andrews Kurth Partner Lisa Sotto; and Center for Strategic and International Studies Defense and Security Department Senior Advisor Suzanne Spaulding.
“We’re honored to have the support of such distinguished leaders in their fields,” said Dr. Phil Potter, Executive Director of the NSDPI. “NSDPI exists to bridge government, industry, and academia for the good of the nation—this team brings the experience and credibility needed to help us cross traditional boundaries and contribute solutions to hard national security problems.”