Nick Reese

Nick Reese is the COO of Optica Labs and the first ever DirectorofEmerging Technology PolicyattheUS DepartmentofHomeland Security. Nick is a seasoned tech executive and builder with broad experience growing and scaling companies. He is an expert in cyber and emerging technology policy with deep roots in safety, security, and sustainability of technology deployments.

A noted expert in cyber operations, quantum computing, artificial intelligence, and outer space, he currently holds a faculty position at the NYU Center for Global Affairs teaching graduate courses related to emerging technology and geopolitics. Mr. Reese has a 20+ year career in the US Military, Intelligence Community & Homeland security with a focus on operations and bringing technical solutions to high stakes national security challenges. He is also a former federal policy maker authoring multiple executive orders and Cabinet-level policies and advising the White House on critical emerging technology topics.

Mr. Reese is a graduate of Saint Leo University and Old Dominion University. He lives in the Washington DC area with his wife and their dog.