Will Hurd

Will Hurd is a former undercover CIA officer, three-term U.S. congressman, cybersecurity executive, and artificial intelligence policy leader whose career has intersected national security, technology, and public service. Hurd studied computer science at Texas A&M University, where he also served as student body president. After graduation, Hurd worked as an undercover officer in the CIA in the Middle East and South Asia for nearly a decade, collecting intelligence that shaped the national security agenda. During his tenure at the CIA, Hurd contributed to counterterrorism efforts, countered Russian espionage, and helped dismantle nuclear proliferation networks.

Following his CIA service, Hurd transitioned to the private sector, helping to build a cybersecurity firm focused on preparing businesses for evolving threats in cyberspace. He was later elected to represent the 23rd Congressional District of Texas, where he had more substantive legislation signed into law in three terms than many lawmakers achieve in longer careers. In Congress, Hurd prioritized policy over politics, focusing on bipartisan solutions in cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and technology policy.

Hurd authored the first national strategy on artificial intelligence, convened the first congressional hearing on AI, and published the first presidential plan for AI. He was endorsed by former CIA Director and Defense Secretary Robert Gates, who cited Hurd's character, integrity, and leadership skills. Hurd also ran for president as a Republican candidate.

Currently, Hurd serves as chief strategy officer at defense technology start-up CHAOS Industries, contributing his experience in technology, national security, and governance to various boards. He is a trustee of the German Marshall Fund, a board member at OpenAI, and a fellow at the University of Chicago Institute of Politics.

In his book "American Reboot: An Idealist's Guide to Getting Big Things Done," Hurd addresses key issues facing the United States, offering a pragmatic approach to policy, economic empowerment, and the nation's technological future. Drawing on his experience in intelligence and government, Hurd provides organizations and individuals with strategies to contextualize threats and focus on unifying solutions for policy and innovation.