Intelligence Champions Council
The Intelligence Champions Council (ICC) strives to strengthen and grow the IC workforce by advising, mentoring, advocating for, and fostering dialogue among professionals across organizations and experience levels who are interested in intelligence-related careers.
Through programming and mentoring events, the Council facilitates informal learning for the intelligence and national security workforce and helps these professionals build positive relationships, discover mentors, and gain an appreciation for other perspectives.
Produced by the Council, Intelligence Career Conversations explores the people, paths, and policies shaping today’s intelligence community. Each episode features candid discussions with professionals from across the field—covering career journeys, skill-building advice, and the real-world impact of policy decisions on the IC workforce.
Intelligence Career Conversations Podcast
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Meg O'Neill: Art of Collaboration and InnovationOn this week's episode of the Intelligence Career Conversations podcast, Jim Donnelly is joined by Meg O'Neill, Founder and President, O'Neill Strategy Group, LLC. Tune in as Meg discusses her 30+ years of leadership across the IC. From Shaping acquisition strategy at the CIA to launching DOE's counterintelligence office, Meg shares insights on collaboration, innovation, and driving mission impact.
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Sarah Daly: Pursue Excellence, Be AdventurousOn this week's episode of the Intelligence Career Conversations podcast, Jim Donnelly welcomes Sarah Daly, Research Staff Member, Institute for Defense Analyses (IDA). Tune in as Sarah discusses the value of non-linear career growth, how technological competence can be a key differentiator for young professionals, and the importance of continuous learning, experimentation, and adaptability.
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Linda Weissgold: Candor, Courage, and the Craft of AnalysisOn this week's episode of the Intelligence Career Conversations podcast, host Jim Donnelly welcomes Linda Weissgold, Former Deputy Director for Analysis, CIA. Tune in as Ms. Weissgold reflects on her 37-year intelligence career—beginning with how she launched her journey at the Agency. She shares the key skills and qualities that define great analysts and discusses the opportunities and challenges facing the IC workforce.
Leadership
Council News and Publications
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Nominations Open for 2025 Achievement AwardsAugust 20, 2024
The Intelligence and National Security Alliance (INSA) and INSA Foundation are now accepting nominations for the 2025 INSA Charlie Allen Achievement Awards. Now in its 15th year, these awards recognize outstanding early- to mid-career professionals from the intelligence, homeland, and national security communities, as well as a senior leader who inspires their success.
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INSA Announces Recipients of 2024 Charlie Allen Achievement AwardsJanuary 10, 2024
The awards, to be presented on February 15 at the Army Navy Country Club in Arlington, VA, acknowledge the exceptional contributions of early to mid-career professionals to U.S. national security, as well as one senior leader for sustained commitment to building and mentoring a worldclass workforce.
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New Paper Offers Recommendations to Reimagine SCIF LifeSeptember 25, 2023
In a September 2023 white paper, INSA's Intelligence Champions Council provides recommendations for both government and industry employers on ways to improve the physical and cultural environments for the IC's cleared workforce.