Advisory Council

Every day, technology weaves itself deeper into our individual lives and society at large. The technology decisions we make now - across hardware, software and policy - have larger and longer reaching implications than ever before. As a technology leader, I believe in a Human First approach to decision-making that requires an ecosystem of trust and safety. I am honored to join the Krach Institute for Tech Diplomacy at Purdue, where the very best of technology and policy leadership are partnering to leverage State Techcraft as a competitive advantage.

The ever-expanding nature of technology is vastly changing the way we look at international relations, trust, and transparency. As new technologies emerge at an increasing rate, we need to ensure a vibrant innovation ecosystem exists that has trust and transparency at its core. This will ensure that the same value-system that created the semiconductor, put a man on the moon, and brought us the internet, will continue to thrive into the 22nd century. I am humbled to be part of the Krach Institute for Tech Diplomacy at Purdue’s efforts that is filling this critical role at the cross-roads of diplomacy and innovation.

The development of key technologies will shape the 21st century on micro and macro levels. American leadership in these endeavors is critical for advancing freedom and prosperity. Keith has aptly identified the need to bring together innovators and policy makers to set the conditions for success, and I look forward to supporting the Krach Institute in its mission.

I am passionate about the intersection of agriculture and technology and a strong believer that agriculture is the most important industry on Earth. So much of the future success of agriculture relies on strong global diplomacy. Technology is changing so rapidly that it's hard for leaders to keep up. It's important to be focused on how to make technology work for the world, not against.

In an era when technology is at the nexus of national security, society, economics, and geopolitics, it’s more important than ever to foster an environment of shared interests that permits innovation to flourish. The Krach Institute performs that very function by mobilizing the strategies, expertise, and diverse perspectives necessary to ensure our God-given freedoms are enhanced through technology.

Critical and emerging technologies, such as 5G/6G, artificial intelligence, semiconductors, and quantum computing, will play a central role in the future of our national security and economic well-being. At the same time, there will be fierce competition among the United States, China, and others in the development of these technologies. The Krach Institute for Tech Diplomacy at Purdue has assembled a combination of academic and research experts, private sector entrepreneurs, and former senior government officials to help shape U.S. policy and diplomacy on the application and use of these technologies. I am pleased to join this impressive group.