Juliette N. Kayyem is a distinguished American leader in homeland security and crisis management, currently serving as the Robert and Renee Belfer Senior Lecturer at Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government. Her career began in 1995 at the Department of Justice, where she served as an advisor to Attorney General Janet Reno. Kayyem’s expertise in national security was further recognized when she was appointed by Governor Deval L. Patrick as Massachusetts’ first Undersecretary for Homeland Security in 2007, overseeing critical security planning and the National Guard’s operations.

In 2009, Kayyem transitioned to the federal level as Assistant Secretary for Intergovernmental Affairs at the Department of Homeland Security under President Obama. Her contributions included co-authoring strategic assessments on critical infrastructure and cybersecurity vulnerabilities, showcasing her commitment to enhancing national security. She has also been a member of the Homeland Security Advisory Committee, where her insights have shaped policies addressing emerging threats.

Beyond her government roles, Kayyem has made significant strides in academia and media. She has been a prominent voice on CNN, NBC, and NPR, providing expert analysis on national security issues. Her columns in The Boston Globe earned her a Pulitzer Prize finalist nomination in 2013, reflecting her impactful commentary on pressing societal matters. Additionally, her recent book, “The Devil Never Sleeps: Learning to Live in an Age of Disasters,” has been praised for its urgent approach to disaster preparedness.

In the private sector, Kayyem is the CEO of Grip Mobility, a technology company focused on enhancing safety in the rideshare industry. Her innovative leadership has garnered recognition, including being named one of Inc. Magazine’s top 100 Female Founders in 2019. With a robust background in public service, academia, and entrepreneurship, Juliette Kayyem continues to be a pivotal figure in shaping the future of national security and crisis management.