Strategic Leadership for a Divided and Competitive World
Architect of Advantage through GRIPS
Hon. Mark Kennedy is a nationally recognized leader in strategic competition, institutional transformation, and civic trust-building. From the halls of Congress to university presidencies to global strategy forums, he has advanced American strength through a bold and modern twin framework for national power and institutional strategy: GRIPS—what nations must prioritize, and PIVOT—where institutions are exposed or advantaged.
- Senior Fellow, CNA - Center for Naval Analyses
- Civic Leader, U.S. Air and Space Forces
The Architecture of Advantage
Why GRIPS?
- The world is in the midst of profound strategic competition—with authoritarian powers advancing coercive models of governance, digital control, and global influence. America’s ability to prevail depends not only on defense spending, but on alignment across the full spectrum of national capability.
- That’s why Mark Kennedy developed the GRIPS framework, a modern approach to national strategy that identifies the five interlocking foundations of enduring advantage:
- To truly come to GRIPS with national power, one must mind the gap—not only between these pillars, but across allied geographies. GRIPS isn’t just about strength in each domain, but about coherence among them.
- GRIPS sets the strategic agenda across national capabilities. PIVOT complements it by diagnosing institutional posture—where risk must be mitigated and where advantage can be leveraged.
Institutional Leadership at Scale
From stewarding major research universities to launching national initiatives, Kennedy has led complex institutions through disruption and positioned them for long-term strength.
Technology as Strategic Advantage
Mark Kennedy has consistently championed technology as both a tool for institutional transformation and a pillar of national strength. From modernizing digital infrastructure across university systems to shaping U.S. strategy in semiconductors, AI, and trusted networks, he brings an integrated perspective on innovation as a source of enduring advantage.
Shaping Strategic Engagement and Deterrence
Kennedy’s work strengthens U.S. alliances, counters authoritarian influence, and reinforces democratic systems through strategic partnerships.
360° Leadership That Builds Trust
Kennedy’s leadership spans sectors—rooted in tenacity, principle, and institutional effectiveness.
“Leadership is the ability to align others around action guided by enduring values—even when the path is hard.”
Media & Commentary
- From his Frontiers of Freedom Blog to NewsNation interviews to op-eds and public forums, Mark Kennedy engages policy, academic, and national audiences with insight on America’s strategic choices.
Speaking & Engagements
Mark Kennedy delivers keynote addresses and moderates strategic forums on innovation, competition, and national power—bridging sectors and shaping dialogue.
Connect with Mark Kennedy
Inquire about speaking engagements, media commentary, strategic advising, or partnerships.
At a Glance
- Former U.S. Congressman
- President of Two Flagship Universities
- Director of a Global Strategic Institute
- Builder of Trusted Institutions, Competitive Strategies, and Innovation Ecosystems
- Senior Fellow at CNA, Civic Leader for the U.S. Air & Space Forces, Member of the Council on Foreign Relations
- Leads through alignment, foresight, and measurable impact
- Bridges national security, economic policy, and academic innovation
From the Frontiers of Freedom Blog
Seeing Clearly in a Contested World
- How GRIPS and PIVOT Offer a 360° Lens for National and Institutional Strategy