Matthew Olsen

For more than a decade, Matthew Olsen has been at the forefront of the United States' national security efforts and has played a pivotal role in shaping the country’s response to terrorism, cybersecurity, and surveillance. As the former Director of the National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC), Olsen was central to the nation’s defense against a complex and expansive terrorism threat. During his tenure, he was responsible for keeping senior leaders, including the President and the National Security Council, informed of threats and coordinated efforts to identify and disrupt terrorist plots. His leadership was instrumental during several terror attacks, including the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing and the 2012 assault in Benghazi, Libya.

Currently, Olsen helps lead a cybersecurity technology firm, providing an engaging and candid look at some of the most significant and far-reaching challenges facing the country. With his extensive background in national security, Olsen offers a discerning and compelling perspective on security challenges, sharing his insights on crisis navigation and leadership. He discusses evolving threats and developing hotspots around the world today, emphasizing the considerations American businesses should take to protect against the complex challenge of cybersecurity.

Accolades for Olsen's service are notable. President Obama has stated that "every American is safer because of his service." Additionally, Congressman Mike Rogers, former Republican Chairman of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, remarked, “There are no doubt many, many people alive in the United States and around the world today because of Matt Olsen’s service and persistent dedication.” Olsen is recognized for being a straight shooter and was the first senior official in 2012 to publicly define the Benghazi attack as an act of terrorism. He also warned Congress about the growing threat of Americans joining al-Qaeda.

In previous roles, Olsen served as the General Counsel and Chief Legal Advisor at the National Security Agency and held an official position at the Department of Justice. He led the government's review of detainees at Guantanamo and played a significant role in enhancing the government's cybersecurity measures and conducting intelligence operations against foreign terrorist targets while upholding the rule of law and protecting civil liberties. For 12 years, Olsen worked as a federal prosecutor in the District of Columbia, tackling cases against violent gang members, terrorists, and white-collar criminals. He was the inaugural director of the United States Attorneys Office’s National Security Division in 2004, later becoming the acting director and also served as special counsel to the director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

In academia and media, Olsen is a lecturer at Harvard Law School and a National Security Analyst for ABC News. His educational background includes degrees from the University of Virginia and Harvard Law School. His contributions to national security and legal education continue to influence both fields significantly.