Brett M. Holmgren is a distinguished leader in national security, intelligence, cybersecurity, and risk management, with over two decades of experience serving in critical leadership roles across the U.S. government and the private sector. With a track record of spearheading strategic transformations, strengthening compliance and risk management, guiding intelligence operations, and advising the highest levels of government, Holmgren has left an indelible mark on the global security landscape.

Most recently, Holmgren served as the Acting Director of the National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC) at the Office of the Director of National Intelligence from July 2024 to January 2025. In this role, he led the United States’ primary counterterrorism agency, overseeing more than 1,000 employees and serving as the principal advisor to the President on counterterrorism matters. Holmgren played a pivotal role in modernizing the NCTC’s technological infrastructure, developing a new cloud strategy that enhanced cybersecurity, lowered costs, and improved operational efficiency. Additionally, he chaired the U.S. Counterterrorism Board of Directors, while engaging extensively with Congress, foreign leaders, and the media to drive and shape the nation’s counterterrorism policies.

Before assuming leadership at the NCTC, Holmgren served as the Assistant Secretary for the Bureau of Intelligence and Research (INR) at the U.S. Department of State from September 2021 to July 2024. As a Senate-confirmed official, he was responsible for leading one of the nation’s 18 intelligence agencies and advising the Secretary of State on intelligence and security matters. Under his leadership, INR underwent a significant digital transformation, with legacy systems being modernized and core platforms and services migrated to the classified cloud while implementing a zero-trust cybersecurity model. Holmgren also institutionalized an enterprise risk management program, a first for INR, and introduced executive governance structures that improved strategic decision-making in technology risk management and investments as well as workforce development.

Beyond government service, Holmgren has also excelled in the private sector, serving as Vice President and Acting Chief Technology Risk Officer at Capital One Financial Corporation from February 2017 to August 2020. In this capacity, he established and led the firm’s second-line independent technology risk management organization, overseeing cybersecurity and technology risk management activities for the firm. His leadership ensured robust risk governance, strengthened internal controls, and enhanced engagement with regulatory agencies and internal audit functions.

Holmgren’s expertise in personnel management and recruitment was evident during his tenure on the Biden-Harris Presidential Transition Team as Deputy Director for Nominations from August 2020 to February 2021. He played a key role in identifying and vetting candidates for Cabinet and sub-Cabinet positions, contributing to the formation of the most diverse and talented presidential Cabinet in U.S. history.

Prior to his private-sector role, Holmgren spent years shaping U.S. intelligence and security policies at the White House on the National Security Council (NSC) staff. From July 2015 to January 2017, he was Special Assistant to the President and NSC Senior Director for Intelligence Programs, acting as the principal intelligence advisor to the National Security Advisor. In this role, he led interagency efforts on counterintelligence, intelligence budgets, and sensitive military operations. Earlier, as Senior Policy Advisor to the Assistant to the President for Homeland Security and Counterterrorism (June 2014 – July 2015), Holmgren was instrumental in shaping policy on domestic and international security threats, coordinating counterterrorism, cybersecurity, and disaster response strategies.

Holmgren’s extensive experience in counterterrorism dates back to his tenure as Director for Counterterrorism at the NSC (2011–2013), where he helped develop and coordinate counterterrorism policies for the Middle East and Africa. He also served as a Senior Analyst in the CIA’s Counterterrorism Center (2006–2011), authoring intelligence assessments that informed policymakers on terrorist threats and operational risks. His expertise in threat analysis was further honed at the Defense Intelligence Agency (2003–2006), where he deployed to Iraq in support of multinational counterterrorism operations.

Holmgren’s academic credentials include a Master of Arts in Global Security Studies from Johns Hopkins University, summa cum laude (2010), and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Journalism from the University of Wisconsin-Madison (2003). His professional affiliations reflect his dedication to service and leadership, including board roles with the University of Wisconsin-Madison Political Science Department and One World Education in Washington, D.C.

A recipient of multiple prestigious awards, Holmgren has been recognized with the Director of National Intelligence Distinguished Public Service Medal (2025), the Secretary of State’s Distinguished Service Award (2025), the CIA Director’s Award (2017), the Secretary of Defense Meritorious Civilian Service Award (2014), and the CIA Hostile Action Service Medal (2010). His commitment to public service extends beyond intelligence and security, as he volunteered with the District of Columbia Emergency Response Team (2021–2022) to help administer COVID-19 tests and vaccinations to local citizens.

With a career spanning the highest levels of government and the private sector, Brett Holmgren continues to be a leading voice in national security, intelligence, and technology risk management.

Character
Brett Holmgren is a dedicated and principled leader with a proven commitment to public service and mission through integrity, vision, innovation, and empowerment.

Knowledge
With deep expertise in intelligence, counterterrorism, cybersecurity, and risk management, Holmgren has a unique blend of technical and strategic expertise, having successfully developed innovative approaches to strategy, governance and risk management while also leading and overseeing operations and tactical approaches in support of national security.

Strategic
He has led and executed high-level initiatives, including large-scale management and modernization reforms, digital transformations, chaired governance boards, and designed and implemented strategic plans in government and the private sector.

Communication
Holmgren is an adept communicator, having engaged extensively with the President, Congress, media, citizens, and global audiences to influence key stakeholders, advance organizational priorities, and drive strategic initiatives.