The NSI Cyber and Tech Center hosted an event exploring generative AI and its vast implications for U.S. national security. We explored the opportunities and challenges AI poses for our national security and defense community – including the military, intelligence agencies, and other security stakeholders. It also analyzed how the U.S. can continue to promote AI innovation and defend against AI threats.
Speakers:
- Paul Lekas, Head of Global Public Policy, Software & Information Industry Association
- Katrina M. Mulligan, National Security Policy and Partnerships, OpenAI
- Jamil N. Jaffer, Founder and Executive Director, National Security Institute (moderator)
Event Details:
April 24, 2024
Time: 12 – 1 PM ET
Location: Rayburn House Office Building, Room 2060
45 Independence Ave SW, Washington, DC 20515
Speaker Bios:
Paul Lekas leads SIIA’s public policy and government affairs efforts. He is responsible for directing advocacy to shape tech policy in the US and abroad on behalf of SIIA’s more than 450 member companies across the information landscape. Previously, Paul served in senior policy and legal roles in the U.S. government and, before that, practiced law for over a decade, including leading the development of NSCAI recommendations on international AI and emerging technology policy, focusing on fostering cooperation for security, democratic values, and alliances. Paul also served on the transition team for the Biden-Harris administration. Paul is a recognized expert on domestic and international technology and digital policy, artificial intelligence, national security, government affairs, and other areas. Paul received his JD and AB degrees from Harvard University.
Katrina M. Mulligan is head of National Security Policy and Partnerships at OpenAI. Prior to joining OpenAI, she was the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Special Operations and Low Intensity Conflict (SO/LIC), a portfolio that included special operations, irregular warfare, counterterrorism, counter-narcotics, and information operations policy issues. She also assisted the Assistant Secretary of Defense for SOLIC on oversight of special operations peculiar administrative matters on behalf of the Secretary.
Katrina was previously the acting Vice President for National Security and International Policy at the Center for American Progress. She also served in senior roles in the National Security Division in the Department of Justice, the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, and at the National Counterterrorism Center. From 2013-2014, Katrina served on the National Security Council Staff as Director for Disclosures Response where she facilitated the government’s response to unauthorized disclosures of intelligence information. Katrina has received multiple awards for exceptional and meritorious civilian service from the Intelligence Community and Department of Justice. She is an alumna of the University of Chicago and received a juris doctorate degree from the UCLA School of Law.
Jamil N. Jaffer (moderator) is the founder and executive director of the National Security Institute at George Mason University’s Antonin Scalia Law School. He previously served as chief counsel and senior adviser to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and, among other roles, as an associate counsel to President George W. Bush in the White House.
*This event is the public launch of a private off-the-record program for Congressional staff that is aimed at producing dynamic discussion and open dialogue between AI experts and participants. If you are interested in learning more about the program, please click here.