Sasha Cohen O'Connell

Sasha Cohen O’Connell, PhD, is a leader in cybersecurity and public policy, serving as the senior director for cybersecurity programs at Aspen Digital, part of the Aspen Institute. With more than 25 years of experience, O’Connell has shaped national security and cyber policy through a career that began at the FBI, where she held roles including chief policy advisor for science and technology and section chief of the Office of National Policy. In these positions, she led policy engagement with the National Security Council and directed strategic initiatives such as the implementation of the Balanced Scorecard for the FBI director, enhancing the agency’s strategic planning and performance management.

O’Connell’s work extends into academia, where she was an executive in residence and senior professorial lecturer at American University. She developed and led programs including a graduate certificate in cyber policy and management and directed the Terrorism and Homeland Security Policy master’s program. Her teaching emphasizes experiential learning and interdisciplinary collaboration, preparing policy experts to address cybersecurity challenges. O’Connell has also contributed to the private sector as a director at Guidehouse, leading engagements focused on homeland and national security issues.

O’Connell is a public speaker and regularly appears at conferences and forums, such as the Technology Association of Grantmakers and Aspen Ideas Festival, where she addresses cybersecurity and national security topics. She is recognized for translating complex policy issues into actionable strategies and her commitment to public service and education. O’Connell holds a Bachelor of Arts from Barnard College and both an MPA and doctorate in public administration from American University.