Laura Nelson joined the National Cryptologic Foundation (NCF) as President and CEO in early 2019. She is leading the Foundation’s growing partnership with the National Security Agency as well the NCF’s Education and Engagement programs. Laura retired from the National Security Agency in 2018 after a 37-year career. For over 15 years, Laura was a member of the Defense Intelligence Senior Executive Service (DISES) where she led multiple technical organizations in a variety of mission areas in both the Signals Intelligence (SIGINT), Information Assurance, and Operations directorates. An energetic leader, Laura has extensive experience in building organizations, recruiting talent, fostering innovation, and developing policies and strategies to execute the mission. She received the Meritorious Presidential Rank Award in 2012.
Laura holds a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering from the Johns Hopkins University and a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from Virginia Tech.