The New IC

On Thursday, June 18, nearly 200 intelligence and national security professionals gathered in Arlington, VA for the 9th annual The New IC symposium. The half-day event included a career fair, keynote and fireside chat, panel discussion, ignite rounds, and a lively networking reception. View Event Photos! 

Opening Keynote and Fireside Chat: Lori Wade

Lori Wade, Chief Learning Officer, CIA, kicked off the program with keynote remarks, highlighting two challenges facing the intelligence community: an evolving threat environment and rapidly advancing technology. She stressed that the IC must close the gap between investing in tools like AI and training people to use them effectively, calling for learning to be treated as a strategic priority throughout an employee’s career.

Ms. Wade then joined INSA President Suzanne Wilson Heckenberg for a fire side chat. They discussed the future of learning and talent development across the IC. She emphasized that critical thinking, curiosity, and resilience are now mission-critical, alongside emerging capabilities in AI, big data, design, and cybersecurity. She also cautioned against over-reliance on AI, noting that analysts must work with machines without surrendering human judgment or accountability. During the Q&A, she addressed continuous learning, looming retirements, flat budgets, and the need for government, industry, and academia to work together to prepare the workforce for an AI-enabled future.

Panel: Maximizing Mid-Career: The Strategic "Yes"

Speakers:

• Monique Todd, Deputy Chief, Talent Acquisition Office, CIA
• Adrienne Gizicki, Director, Partner Forces
• Kevin Hennecken, Senior Advisor to the Director, OPM
• Jamie Jones Miller, CEO and Regional Dean, Northeastern University in Arlington
• Dr. Ryan Carpenter, Special Advisor, SCSP (moderator)

Panelists shared how mid-career national security professionals face the challenge of adapting their expertise to meet rapid technological changes. To address this, the federal government is shifting toward competency-based hiring through initiatives like the Tech Force program, which utilizes objective technical assessments instead of traditional degree requirements or subjective self-evaluations. Speakers emphasized that successful transitions require identifying the specific capability gap between current skills and evolving mission needs. Treating professional development as essential mission work and cultivating a reliable network of advisors are vital strategies for sustaining long-term operational impact.

Ignite Rounds

Five speakers took the stage to share inspiring lessons from their professional journeys.

Kristyn Ream reflected on the challenges and lessons that come with career transitions, sharing how difficult experiences helped her rethink success, purpose, and professional growth. She emphasized that meaningful career decisions begin with understanding your values and recognizing that impact comes not from a title alone, but from bringing your authentic self, skills, and character to every opportunity.

Cynthia Kaiser, SVP, Ransomeware Research Center, Halcyon, emphasized that professional success is shaped not only by technical expertise, but also by how others perceive your character, judgment, and integrity. Through examples of navigating difficult conversations and challenging assumptions in real time, she encouraged attendees to define their personal boundaries, assume noble intent, and recognize that every interaction contributes to the reputation and trust that underpin a successful career.

Scott Cooper, SVP, Government Affairs, With Honor, reflected on the power of intentional relationship-building, recounting how a simple outreach and a conversation over breakfast grew into a lasting mentorship network. He challenged attendees to view networking not as a transaction, but as an opportunity to learn from others, seek out leaders worth following, and have the confidence to make the first connection. Scott also highlighted the responsibility to pay mentorship forward, noting that the greatest professional impact often comes from the people we help along the way.

Adam Scheer, Program Director, Special Activities Growth Division, Saronic Technologies, discussed the importance of taking a deliberate approach to career decisions and aligning professional choices with personal values. Reflecting on his transition from a decade as a Navy SEAL to roles in investment banking and the intelligence community, he shared how asking deeper questions about purpose, passion, and impact helped guide his path. Scheer encouraged mid-career professionals to look beyond titles and compensation to find opportunities that align with the mission and values that motivate them.

Dr. Stacey Dixon, Former Acting DNI, ODNI, reflected on navigating pivotal career transitions and the uncertainty that often accompanies opportunities for growth. Sharing her decision to leave IARPA to serve as deputy director at NGA, she discussed the importance of embracing challenges that expand leadership capabilities and create new opportunities to serve others. Dixon reminded attendees that while leaving a familiar role can be difficult, sometimes saying goodbye is the necessary step to grow, contribute more, and discover what comes next.