Our Team
Dedicated leaders, advisors, and experts advancing U.S. diplomacy through training, innovation, and collaboration. Together, we bring decades of experience to prepare America’s diplomatic and national security professionals for the challenges of today and tomorrow.
Leadership
Guiding DSF with vision, experience, and a steadfast commitment to strengthening U.S. diplomacy. Click for Biographies.
Ambassador Thomas Pickering – Chairman
A career ambassador and former U.S. envoy to the UN, Russia, India, and Israel, Thomas Pickering brings decades of high-level diplomatic and corporate leadership.
Ambassador David Miller – President
David Miller has combined his experience as U.S. Ambassador to Tanzania and Zimbabwe with decades of public service and private sector leadership.
Strategy and Execution Team
Driving DSF’s mission forward with expertise, innovation, and operational excellence. Click for biographies.
Colonel Todd A. Schmidt, Ph.D., is DSF’s Chief Academic Advisor, with deep expertise in defense strategy, military education, and national policy.
Kevin O’Brien is a former Navy officer and private equity leader who guides DSF’s financial planning and strategic investments.
A veteran of U.S. intelligence and foreign affairs, Glenn Corn has led global operations and advises on geopolitical and security challenges.
An expert in U.S. Africa policy, conflict resolution, and governance, Tom Sheehy is a senior fellow and longtime congressional strategist.
With 35 years in USAID and extensive field leadership, James Bever brings development expertise across Africa, the Middle East, and Asia.
Retired Special Forces commander Nate Prussian brings decades of combat, policy, and leadership experience in global special operations.
Retired Army officer Chris Molino brings two decades of counterterrorism, diplomacy, and policy experience to DSF, advancing education across the U.S. national security and foreign affairs community.
Marshall Cooperman supports DSF as an intern, contributing research and editorial expertise following his classics and security studies education.
Ambassador Dawn Liberi contributes over forty years of experience in diplomacy, development, and civilian-military coordination to DSF, supporting efforts to strengthen and modernize U.S. diplomatic training and practice.
Mags Miller is a globally experienced showrunner, director, and producer whose Third Culture Kid upbringing informs a human-centered approach to storytelling across diplomacy, conservation, and global affairs.
SGM (R) Sam Joseph is a highly decorated former U.S. Army senior leader with extensive service in elite units and global combat operations, now supporting NATO special operations as a consultant with Mayvin Defense Services.
Charlie Gilbert is Director of Intelligence and an Executive Board member at Gavin de Becker and Associates, bringing 26 years of senior CIA operational leadership and global experience to protecting high-risk individuals worldwide.
Founders
Guiding DSF with vision, experience, and a steadfast commitment to strengthening U.S. diplomacy. Click for Biographies.
Rand Beers – Co-Chairman
With a distinguished career in national security, homeland security, and counterterrorism, Rand Beers has served under multiple presidents at DHS and the NSC.
Ambassador Chester Crocker – Vice President
Former Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs. Chester Crocker is a renowned strategist in conflict resolution and U.S. foreign policy.