Councils
Where Expertise Meets Action.
INSA’s policy councils and subcommittees bring together professionals from government, industry, and academia to address the intelligence and national security community’s most pressing challenges. Councils do not just talk about issues; they help shape them.
As a member, councils offer:
- Opportunities to shape policies that strengthen the IC's effectiveness and efficiency
- Thought leadership through white papers, op-eds, podcasts, and panel discussions
- Collaboration with peers and government partners in trusted, solution-focused forums
- Access to government and academic leaders who share challenges, priorities, and opportunities for collaboration
Get Involved!
Council service ensures that INSA members play an active part in advancing policy ideas and solutions that support the U.S. intelligence and national security mission.
Thought Leadership
White Papers & Op-Eds
Kyle Vowinkel: Building Trust Under Pressure
Episode: 77
On this episode of the Intelligence Career Conversations podcast, host Jim Donnelly is joined by Kyle Vowinkel, a West Point graduate, former U.S. Army officer, and retired FBI agent whose more than 24-year career included service on both the FBI Hostage Rescue Team and Crisis Negotiation Unit, as well as senior counterintelligence leadership roles. He reflects on his unconventional career path, the influence of military service, and how remaining open to unexpected opportunities shaped his work in national security. He also discusses leadership and decision-making under pressure, the importance of building trust and credibility, and the value of being comfortable with uncertainty and continuous learning. Throughout the conversation, Kyle shares lessons from his experiences in hostage rescue, crisis negotiation, overseas operations, and counterintelligence, along with advice for early-career professionals on critical thinking, self-regulation, mentorship, and putting the mission ahead of personal ego.
Podcasts
Kyle Vowinkel: Building Trust Under Pressure
Episode: 77
On this episode of the Intelligence Career Conversations podcast, host Jim Donnelly is joined by Kyle Vowinkel, a West Point graduate, former U.S. Army officer, and retired FBI agent whose more than 24-year career included service on both the FBI Hostage Rescue Team and Crisis Negotiation Unit, as well as senior counterintelligence leadership roles. He reflects on his unconventional career path, the influence of military service, and how remaining open to unexpected opportunities shaped his work in national security. He also discusses leadership and decision-making under pressure, the importance of building trust and credibility, and the value of being comfortable with uncertainty and continuous learning. Throughout the conversation, Kyle shares lessons from his experiences in hostage rescue, crisis negotiation, overseas operations, and counterintelligence, along with advice for early-career professionals on critical thinking, self-regulation, mentorship, and putting the mission ahead of personal ego.