Kate van Dam

Kate van Dam is an experienced professional with an extensive background in national security and government policy. Kate started their career in 2005 as an Attack Helicopter Pilot in the US Marine Corps and served for 10 years, deployed twice - first in Somalia and then in Afghanistan, and finally as an instructor at the Basic School in Quantico, Virginia. In 2014, they worked as a Next Gen National Security Fellow at the Center for a New American Security (CNAS). In 2017, they received the White House Fellowship and served as Chief of Staff to the Assistant Under Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, working on national policies in response to natural disasters. In 2018, they became an Officer at the US Marine Corps Forces Cyberspace Command (MARFORCYBER), a Term Member at the Council on Foreign Relations, a Senior Program Manager at In-Q-Tel, and later assumed the role of Senior Director, Agency Partnerships in 2021, where they fostered relationships between start-ups and government agencies to support national security. In 2023, they joined SkyFi as the Head of Strategy.

Kate van Dam completed their Bachelor of Science degree in International Relations and Affairs from the United States Naval Academy in 2005. From 2015 to 2017, they pursued their Master of Arts degree in International Economics and International Relations with a Strategic Studies focus from the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS). Additionally, they have obtained certifications as a Commercial Helicopter Pilot, a Drone Pilot, and a Private Aircraft Pilot from the Federal Aviation Administration. The obtained months and years of these certifications are not provided.