Diane M. Kotras is the Senior Advisor for AI and Defense at Belanger, Crumb and Eschle.  She has extensive leadership experience in national security policy and strategy development for AI and counter threat, including AI adoption, AI maturity models, AI defense applications, and emerging disruptive technologies. Ms. Kotras is a recognized leader for assessing and enabling AI adoption across organizations and advancements in AI technology, as well as in advancing international AI engagement, including support to NATO. In these capacities, she is the Chair of the NATO S&T initiative on “AI Adoption for Enhanced Defense Interoperability” and the Chair of the NATO Lecture Series on “AI Adoption for the Alliance.”  As the lead for both initiatives, she is responsible for advancing AI adoption and integration across the Alliance to promote defense interoperability.

Ms. Kotras previously served in senior leadership positions in the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Policy and the Intelligence Community.  Her recent publications include seminal articles on “Biological Electronics” and “Nanoenergetic Materials.”  Ms. Kotras is a graduate of  the Johns Hopkins University and holds a Master’s degree in National Security Studies from the National War College.