Dr. Lani Kass
STRATEGIC ADVISOR, CYBER RELIANT
Dr. Lani Kass is Strategic Advisor for Cyber Reliant Corporation, focused on advancing Cyber Reliant’s National Security & Justice presence and stature in the U.S. national security sector, as well as enhancing and expanding key client and industry relationships. Working directly for the Chief Executive Officer, she participates in the development of corporate strategy and positioning Cyber Reliant for growth. In this role, she brings skills and expertise honed during 29 years of distinguished federal service at the highest levels.
From December 2011 to January 2021, Dr. Kass served the CEO and Executive Chairman of the Board at CACI, as the Senior Vice President and Corporate Strategic Advisor for a $5.7B mission and enterprise technology company whose expertise plays a vital role in national security, safeguarding US troops, and enabling the federal government to deliver cost-effective, high-quality support for all Americans.
Prior to 2012, Dr. Kass served as Senior Policy Advisor to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (CJCS). She was responsible for the high-level assessments and analyses necessary to render the best military advice and execute the integrated strategies, programs, and plans essential to America’s security. Her foresight, expertise, and cross-cultural, multi-lingual skills were highly valued, particularly during international crises. Her contributions were recognized by both the Secretary of Defense and CJCS. She received the Joint Distinguished Civilian Service Award – the highest award granted to U.S. Government civilian employees.
Dr. Kass also served as the Special Assistant to the Chief of Staff of the U.S. Air Force (CSAF), Senior Mentor to USAF Project CHECKMATE, and Director of the Cyber Task Force. She developed the intellectual concepts that led to the establishment of the U.S. Cyber Command and continue to underpin U.S. cyber strategy. She was awarded the prestigious Decoration for Exceptional Civilian Service by both the Secretary of the Air Force and CSAF.
Dr. Kass’ other career highlights include appointment as the first woman Professor of Military Strategy and Operations at the National War College (NWC), National Defense University. During her 20 years of service at NWC, Dr. Kass educated several generations of senior-most strategic leaders. Her former students currently serve as service chiefs, combatant commanders, defense chiefs in allied capitals, ambassadors, agency directors, and senior intelligence officers.
Dr. Kass has authored two books and 30 scholarly articles. She developed, directed, and taught graduate-level courses on a wide variety of national security subjects. She received a doctorate from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem’s Kaplan School of Economics and Political Science and Columbia University’s School of International Affairs. In 2014, Dr. Kass was elected to the Board of Women in Aerospace. In 2016, she was sworn in as a member of the Air University Board of Visitors’ Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) Subcommittee. In 2019, Dr Kass was elected to join the prestigious Washington Institute of Foreign Affairs (WIFA) and the Board of Directors of Women in Defense.
Dr. Kass is a highly sought speaker in areas such as: Russia, the Middle East, China, terrorism/counter-terrorism, cyber, national security policy, and military strategy.
