KEYNOTE: THE THREAT AND PROMISE OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
Characterize the threat posed by the use of artificial intelligence by our adversaries, the ways in which the NGA strategy counters this threat and operationalizes AI, and how industry engagement has enabled this response.

Speaker
VADM Frank "Trey" Whitworth
Director
National Geospatial Intelligence Agency

KEYNOTE: THE REEMERGENCE OF ADVERSARY BLOCS AND ALLIANCES
Characterize the military, economic and diplomatic threats from strengthening multipolar blocs and alliances, to include Russia, China, Iran, North Korea, BRICS and the Collective Security Treaty Organization. 

Moderator
Mr. Lewis Shepherd
Chief Technology Officer, Public Sector, Broadcom 
Chairman, AFCEA Intelligence Committee

Speaker
LtGen Dimitri Henry, USMC
Director for Intelligence, Joint Staff (J2)

THE 2025 CHARLIE ALLEN AWARD FOR DISTINGUISHED INTELLIGENCE SERVICE

Award Recipient
Mr. Gilman Louie
Partner
Alsop Louie Partners

SESSION 1: RUSSIA
Despite the costs of its ongoing war in Ukraine, Russia, under Vladimir Putin, remains a capable adversary whose goal is to amass power, influence and territory and weaken the U.S and NATO alliance. To achieve its goal, Russia is advancing its interests at multiple levels--diplomatic, economic, military and technological--and is strengthening partnerships with China, Iran, North Korea and the Global South. Russia continues to leverage all national means to implement its goals to include malign influence, cyber operations and espionage. Since the start of the Ukraine war, there has also been an increase in Russian related sabotage activities in Europe.

Moderator & Session Chair
Ms. Beth Kimber
Vice President, IC Strategy, Two Six Technologies
Member, AFCEA Intelligence Committee

Panelists
Mr. Chris Bort
Senior Analyst, Europe-Eurasia Mission Center
Central Intelligence Agency

Ms. Julia Gurganus
Senior Executive Manager
Europe and Eurasia Mission Center
Central Intelligence Agency 

Mr. Jesse Karotkin
National Intelligence Manager
Office of the Director of National Intelligence        

Mr. Ken Stolworthy
Director, Russia Strategic Initiative
U.S. European Command (USEUCOM)

Focus Questions

• In the last few weeks, there has been an important shift in our relationship with Russia to include bilateral talks at the leadership levels on a variety of issues including a negotiated settlement to end the conflict in Ukraine. Given these developments:
  • Will the IC and DOD shift resources from Russia to other priorities?
  • What are the IC’s and DOD’s current biggest capability needs for its Russia strategy?
  • How can industry best plan for these changes and shifting requirements?
• Could the rapprochement with Russia impact Russia’s partnership with China?
• How long do you assess Russia can sustain its war effort in Ukraine from an economic perspective?
• Is there a risk for the Putin regime if it cannot bring a successful end to the Ukraine conflict?
• Do you assess Putin is ready for a negotiated settlement with Ukraine? On what terms?
• What role would / could NATO, the European Union and European countries play?
• How does Russia capitalize on its “Special Military Operation” to improve its military equipment, operating procedures and military-industrial complex?
• How are the strengthened strategic partnerships with China, Iran and North Korea helping Russia from an economic, military and technological perspective, as well as supporting its geopolitical aspirations?
• Does the strategic partnership with China contribute to strengthening China’s international position and ambitions?
• How is Russia adapting its malign influence efforts to better hide its hand using new technologies such as AI? Is the US and its allies prepared to counter the Russian cyber threat?
• In what areas does the effectiveness of our current space-based intelligence capabilities need to be enhanced by government partnerships with industry and academia to counter Russia's space threats?

NETWORKING LUNCH

SESSION 2: CHINA
As friction continues to increase across a spectrum of domains, the IC faces some systemic collection and analytic limitations.   There is a consistent narrative that China’s efforts to supplant the US as the global leader is facing considerable headwinds and that the CCP is extremely vulnerable. There is an alternative body of research examining China’s statements and computation around Comprehensive National Power (CNP) and how they believe they are faring. Both of these arguments have significant implications to China’s behavior and security choices and the consequences of not understanding all of these dimensions with China are likely to be dire. Industry, academia and the Intelligence Community have a vital role to play in reducing uncertainty.

Moderator and Session Chair 
Ms. Cathy Johnston 
Vice President, Mission Integration, Peraton
Member, AFCEA Intelligence Committee

Panelists
Mr. John Costello
Senior Director
Peraton Labs 

Mr. Erik Quam, SES
Director, China Strategic Focus Group
U.S. Indo-Pacific Command

Mr. John Schurtz
PRC Strategy Advisor (SETA Contractor, Allen Integrated Solutions)
OSD Strategic Capabilities Office

RADM Michael Studeman, USN (Ret.)
National Security Fellow
MITRE Corporation

Focus Questions

• What is China’s view of CNP and how they are doing?  What are the implications for crisis and conflict?
• How do they fare in the technology race as compared to the United States, especially in AI and Quantum?
• How committed are they to the “Axis of Evil” and what are the implications?
• How do we improve strategic to operational Indications and Warning from a Systems Warfare perspective? 
• How do they assess the effectiveness of their Information Warfare domestically, near abroad (Taiwan) and externally?
• What role must Industry, academia and the Intelligence Community play in countering these threat vectors?

NETWORKING BREAK

SESSION 3: IRAN AND ITS PROXIES
Iran continues to pose a significant security challenge in the Middle East.  A threshold nuclear power, possessing a substantial arsenal of ballistic missiles capable of ranging targets throughout the region, Iran constitutes a major coercive regional military power.  As impactful, Iran supports and maintains a network of non-state proxy actors through which it furthers its regional agenda, particularly as regards its enduring conflict with Israel.  This network is now increasingly under pressure with the collapse of the Assad regime in Syria. As the global geopolitical landscape shifts, will the closer alignment of Russia and China, increased military relations between Russia and Iran, and the expanding economic capacity of BRICS-aligned states alter Iran’s regional position and intentions and, if so, how will that change manifest itself?

Moderator
Ms. Maja Lehnus 
Consultant, Maja Lehnus Associates LLC 
Member, AFCEA Intelligence Committee 

Panelists
Mr. Keith Bentley  
Senior Naval Intelligence Manager for Iran & Near East
Office of Naval Intelligence

RDML Joshua Himes, USN
Vice Director for Intelligence
Joint Staff, J2

Dr. Trent Maul
Acting Deputy Director of National Intelligence for Mission Integration
Office of the Director of National Intelligence

Mr. Erik Olsen
Senior Defense Intelligence Analyst for Iran & the Arabian Peninsula
Defense Intelligence Agency

Session Chair
Mr. Neil Wiley
Managing Principal, Lyseon Consulting LLC
Member, AFCEA Intelligence Committee

Focus Questions 

• Has the Iranian position on the acquisition of nuclear weapons shifted?  If not, why not?  What events might lead to a shift in Iran’s intentions? 

• Will closer military ties between Russia and Iran translate into increased Iranian military capabilities?  What changes might we see? 

• How does the fall of the Assad government in Syria affect Iran’s ability to support proxies and shape outcomes in the region? 

• How does Iran view the ongoing Israeli military operations in Gaza and Lebanon?  What effect might those operations have on Iran’s relationship with Hizballah and Hamas? 

• What, if anything, could fundamentally alter Iran’s view on the existence of Israel? 

• How vulnerable or resilient is Iran to re-imposed economic sanctions given its closer ties with China and Russia? What will be Iran’s response to the re-imposition of economic sanctions?  

• Where can government partnerships with industry and academia increase the effectiveness of our current intelligence capabilities to counter these threats? 

THE 2025 AFCEA AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN SCIENTIFIC & TECHNICAL INTELLIGENCE

Moderator
Mr. Johnny Sawyer
CEO, The Sawyer Group
Member, AFCEA Intelligence Committee

Introduction
Lt. Gen. Jeffrey A. Kruse​, USAF
Director
Defense Intelligence Agency

SESSION4: DEFENSE INTELLIGENCE ENTERPRISE RESPONSE TO MULTIPOLAR THREATS
In a dynamic and increasingly multipolar global landscape, the U.S. Defense Intelligence Enterprise (DIE) confronts complex, multifaceted challenges that demand agile and forward-thinking leadership. This panel will examine how DIE leaders can strategically respond to evolving threats by harnessing the power of the DIE and cross-sector partnerships to strengthen intelligence capabilities. 

As adversaries adopt advanced technologies and sophisticated tactics, it is essential for DIE leaders to build collaborative relationships with government, industry, and academia. Such partnerships are vital to drive the innovation and technological progress needed to stay ahead of emerging threats. Panelists will discuss practical strategies for incorporating cutting-edge technologies—such as AI, cybersecurity, and data analytics—into intelligence operations while ensuring resilience against unconventional threats. The discussion will highlight the critical role of strong leadership within the DIE in fostering these partnerships and adapting effectively to the rapidly changing geopolitical environment. Through these collaborations, the DIE can remain resilient, adaptable, and consistently one step ahead of adversaries.  

Moderator
Mr. Greg Ryckman
Deputy Director for Global Integration
Defense Intelligence Agency

Panelists
Mr. James "Jim" Griffith
Director, Source Operations and Management
National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency

Ms. Kim Kinney
Director for Analysis
Defense Intelligence Agency

Maj Gen Matteo Martemucci, USAF
Deputy Chief
Central Security Service/National Security Agency

Mr. John-Matthew Urby
Vice President, Business Development
Arcfield
Member, AFCEA EPIC Committee

Session Chair
Mr. Johnny Sawyer
CEO, The Sawyer Group
Member, AFCEA Intelligence Committee

Focus Questions 

• What leadership approaches are essential within the DIE to navigate the complexities of a multipolar threat environment? 

• How can DIE leaders prioritize and adapt to rapidly shifting security challenges? 
• What leadership competencies are required to drive innovation and maintain agility in the face of emerging threats? 

• How can DIE leadership foster productive partnerships with government, industry, and academia to enhance intelligence capabilities? 

• What strategies can leaders employ to align the priorities and resources of each sector in pursuit of common goals? 

• What lessons can be drawn from successful partnerships, and where can improvements be made? 

• How can DIE leaders support the integration of emerging technologies, such as AI and advanced data analytics, into intelligence operations? 

• What role should leadership play in ensuring that new technologies are effectively and securely implemented? 

• How can DIE leaders balance innovation with the need to protect sensitive data and systems? 

• In what ways can DIE leadership build resilience within the enterprise against non-traditional threats, such as cyber warfare and disinformation? 

• How can leaders anticipate and address the implications of unconventional and rapidly evolving tactics used by adversaries? 

• What workforce development strategies can DIE leadership and their partners in academia and industry adopt to prepare intelligence professionals for future challenges? 

• How can education and training programs be shaped through collaboration to develop the skills required in a complex, technology-driven threat environment? 

• What approaches can enhance recruitment, retention, and training to build a future-ready intelligence workforce? 

• What ethical and operational considerations should DIE leadership address when deploying advanced intelligence technologies in a global, multipolar landscape? 

• How can DIE leaders ensure that partnerships and technologies align with legal, ethical, and national security standards? 

SESSION 5: INTERNATIONAL INTELLIGENCE ALLIANCES AND DIPLOMACY INITIATIVES
United we stand, divided we fall. Throughout the history of the United States, whenever we’ve been in conflict, we’ve had allies at our side. This panel will explore the importance of our international partnerships in deterring conflict or winning decisively if called upon to do so. Panelists will discuss the value of strong, meaningful international collaboration to compete successfully not only in the military environment, but also in the diplomatic, information and economic arenas. 

Moderator & Session Chair
VADM Bob Sharp, USN (Ret.)
CEO, B Sharp - Global Solutions, LLC
Member, AFCEA Intelligence Committee 

Panelists
Mr. Adrian Bird CB
Chief of Defence Intelligence
UK Ministry of Defence

MG Dominic Goulet, CD
Deputy Director for Commonwealth Integration
Defense Intelligence Agency

Air Commodore Shaun Sexton
Chief of Defence Intelligence
Royal New Zealand Air Force
 

Focus Questions

• Over the years, we’ve had discussion on approaching security problems first and foremost from a Five Eyes perspective – using our strong relationships and trust to form the core of multi-national partnerships.  We have strong multi-national relationships in INDOPACOM and elsewhere.  Who are some of our most important, capable partners that we should be embracing and nurturing?
• What are some lessons from our support to the Russia-Ukraine conflict that we should be embracing and putting into action as a priority to help us compete successfully against other security challenges we face -- hopefully without going to conflict?  
• Just about every U.S. four-star Combatant Commander is asking the Intelligence Community to provide unclassified, shareable intelligence to assist in U.S. Government efforts to compete more successfully in diplomatic, informational, military and economic arenas.  What are some efforts you have that are contributing to similar efforts and how might we leverage our partnerships to greater effect?
• One of the great features of our Five Eyes partnerships is that we not only get access to each other’s talented organizations…but also each other’s friends. Can you discuss some of your own strong partnerships with your industrial base and academic brain trust that might be better leveraged for the collective?
   

SESSION 6: COMMERCIAL PARTNERING WITH THE US GOVERNMENT FOR MISSION ADVANTAGE AND INDUSTRIAL BASE DEFENSE
Prior Symposium sessions explored intelligence challenges in the face of rapidly intensifying multipolar threats and the opportunities to deliver new intelligence technologies to counter these threats.  This Symposium capstone session will leverage these discussions to highlight emerging acquisition initiatives established to create mission advantage while protecting and fostering a resilient Industrial Base.  The panel members will focus on providing industry, government and academia with insights on how to partner to deliver these critical capabilities in the context of acquisition reform initiatives sponsored by the new Administration.   

Moderator & Session Chair
The Honorable Katharina McFarland
Member, NASA Aerospace Safety Advisory Panel 
Member, AFCEA Intelligence Committee

Mr. Brian Drake
Federal Chief Technology Officer
Accrete.AI 

Mr. Matthew Kitzman
Chief, Office of Entity Vetting 
Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency 

Col Richard Kniseley, II, USSF
Senior Materiel Leader 
Commercial Space Office (COMSO) 

Dr. Michael Patterson
Program Manager
Intelligence Advanced Research Projects Activity (IARPA)
Member, AFCEA EPIC Committee 

Focus Questions  

• What efforts is the government pursuing to provide access to technologies?  

• What is industry’s role in those efforts? 

• What technology opportunities is the government currently unprepared to adopt or adapt due to inherent limitations or lack of tools (e.g., test devices?)

• What are the impediments that we see on technology fronts (e.g., industrial base supply chain, policy, standards, lack of access to innovation?) 

• How can we overcome these the challenges? What innovation acquisition pathways or pilots are available to deliver urgently needed new intelligence capabilities?   

SYMPOSIUM WRAP-UP