The Potomac Institute for Policy Studies is pleased to announce that Lieutenant Commander Sean Brandes, USN, has joined the Institute as Cyber Federal Executive Fellow for 2012-2013.  LCDR Brandes is the third Fellow to participate in the program at the Institute, which began in 2010. According to the Navy’s outline for the program, the Fellowship is designed to “give mid-level officers an opportunity to increase their understanding of cyber policy development and decision making at the highest levels of government.”

LCDR Brandes, a native of Staten Island, New York, graduated with honors from Arizona State University with a bachelor's degree in Psychology and was commissioned at Officer Candidate School in 1998.

Read more: LCDR Sean Brandes, USN, Is New Cyber Federal Executive Fellow

The Honorable Charles Herzfeld, PhD, is a Senior Fellow and Member of the Board of Regents of the Potomac Institute for Policy Studies.  He has often been called the "godfather" of the internet, for his role in the development of the Defense Department's original ARPAnet computer network.  In an interview with Wired's Danger Room, he talked about the need for data management at a South Pacific missile test site in the early 1960s, and how it played a role in the genesis of the Web. Click here to read the story in full.

The Potomac Institute for Policy Studies is pleased to announce that Rashid A. Chotani, MD, MPH, DTM, has been named a Senior Fellow.  Dr. Chotani serves as the Director of Chemical-Biological Defense Programs at TASC.

Regarding Dr. Chotani's appointment as a Senior Fellow, Potomac Institute for Policy Studies Chairman and CEO Michael Swetnam said, "Dr.Chotani's expertise is unmatched and greatly complements the work at the Potomac Institute. His input and advice will be a critical component of our future."

“I was humbled when offered a Senior Fellow position at the Institute,” Dr. Chotani commented.  “I have been an avid student of the critical science and technology policy issues as they pertain to National Security and have admired the Institute’s efforts in that arena.  It will be an honor and a privilege to contribute to the mission of the Institute by sharing my national and international experiences in medical diplomacy, chemical-biological and natural infectious disease threats facing our nation.”

Read more: Dr. Chotani Is Named Senior Fellow

The Potomac Institute for Policy Studies is pleased to announce that Francis Landolf has been named a Senior Fellow and a member of the Board of Regents.  Mr. Landolf is a Principal with Core Consulting, LLC.

Potomac Institute for Policy Studies Chairman and CEO Michael Swetnam welcomed Mr. Landolf's selection as a Senior Fellow and member of the Board of Regents, commenting, "Fran Landolf is one of this country's most accomplished and experienced Intelligence Officials.  His advice and counsel have been sought by the US Congress and several Administrations.  The Potomac Institute is honored to have his advice and guidance."

Mr. Landolf added, "I have been a fan and friend of the Potomac Institute for a long time. I have seen how the work done by their scholars has influenced national-level leaders and policy makers in a broad range of important civilian, defense and national security-related issues.  It is indeed a privilege to join the Institute as a Senior Fellow and a member of the Board of Regents, and I very much look forward to an opportunity to contribute to its important mission."

Read more: Francis Landolf Is New Senior Fellow and Member, Board of Regents