F. David Diaz

F. David Diaz is a national security strategist and senior advisor who develops and implements innovative solutions across governments, international organizations, and corporations. Dave brings 33 years of experience leading people and solving problems in the Marine Corps, the Pentagon, the Department of State, and the White House. He has led on-the-ground initiatives in Libya and Afghanistan, negotiated agreements, and established new programs from Central America to Southeast Asia.

Dave concluded his government service in 2025 at the State Department’s Bureau of Political-Military Affairs, serving as director of an interagency task force countering illicit proliferation of advanced weapons and as a strategy advisor. Dave served as Director for Africa on the staff of the National Security Council at the White House, where he coordinated national security policies and strategies for diplomatic engagement, military operations, and economic trade with the countries of the Sahel and coastal West Africa. Before the NSC, Dave led strategy and policy in the Global Integration Directorate for the Joint Chiefs of Staff. A life member of the Council on Foreign Relations, Dave is also an adjunct Assistant Professor of National Security Policy at Georgetown University. He holds master’s degrees in international relations from Boston University and National Security Strategy from the National War College. Originally from Chicago, Dave and his wife live in Fairfax County, Virginia.