Mark Kennedy brings a rare breadth of experience spanning academia, business, and government to shape America’s strategic direction in an era of intensifying global competition. A first-generation college graduate, he has served at the highest levels of leadership, including as a U.S. Congressman (2001-07, MN).
As Director of the Wilson Center’s Wahba Institute for Strategic Competition, Kennedy drives critical policy conversations on how the U.S. maintains its technological, economic, military, and diplomatic advantage in a rapidly shifting geopolitical landscape. Applying insights from his leadership across multiple sectors, he seeks to define the strategies necessary for America to compete—and win—against great-power challengers.
- Technology Leadership. President Emeritus of the University of Colorado and past President of the University of North Dakota.
- Economic Leadership. Presidentially appointed member of the Advisory Committee for Trade Policy and Negotiations (2007-09), author of Shapeholders, Business Success in the Age of Activism (Columbia University Press), Chairman Emeritus of the Economic Club of Minnesota, corporate executive, and a University of Michigan MBA (with distinction).
- Military leadership. Appointed Air and Space Forces Civic Leader supporting the Secretary of the Air Force and a Senior Fellow at CNA - Center for Naval Analyses who has visited war zones, 60+ military bases and three aircraft carriers at sea.
- Diplomatic Leadership. A member of the Council on Foreign Relations and of the Boston Global Forum’s Board of Thinkers who has engaged wide cross-sections of society in over 45 countries, including refugee camps.
John King of CNN observed, “Kennedy doesn’t ignore the elephant in the room; to the contrary, he looks it straight in the eye.” Fred Barnes of Fox News called Kennedy “Bold and Smart.”
With a strategic mindset, a global perspective, and a record of leadership across multiple domains, Kennedy is a leading voice on America’s role in the world—shaping how the U.S. competes, leads, and wins.
As submitted to the Office of Science and Technology Policy in response to a Request For Information asking for input for their upcoming US AI Action Plan - March 17, 2025
