Expert Bio

As Director of the Wilson Center’s Wahba Institute for Strategic Competition, Mark Kennedy (U.S. Congress, 2001-07 MN) defines paths to strengthening the alliances, technology, and economic foundations of America’s global leadership.

As President Emeritus of the University of Colorado and past President of the University of North Dakota, Kennedy highlights the central role of technology in economic development and geopolitical competition.

As an appointed Civic Leader supporting the Secretary of the Air Force and a Senior Fellow at CNA - Center for Naval Analyses, Kennedy champions the grand strategy and military needed to deter aggression.

Mark applies experiences as a first-generation college graduate, presidentially appointed member of the Advisory Committee for Trade Policy and Negotiations, author of Shapeholders, Business Success in the Age of Activism (Columbia University Press), member of the Council on Foreign Relations, member of the Boston Global Forum’s Board of Thinkers, Chairman Emeritus of the Economic Club of Minnesota, corporate executive, University of Michigan MBA (with distinction) and St. John’s University (MN) graduate.

Kennedy has engaged wide cross-sections of society in over 45 countries, including refugee camps, war zones, 60+ military bases and three aircraft carriers at sea.