BPC Technology Team Announces New Fellow

The Bipartisan Policy Center (BPC) is thrilled to announce the launch of its innovative Cybersecurity Fellowship Program, aimed at fostering the next generation of cybersecurity leaders and bridging the technical/policy divide in Congress. This exciting initiative seeks to address the escalating challenges posed by cyber threats and secure our nation’s critical infrastructure against the evolving landscape of cyber risks. Today, BPC announced its inaugural fellow to kickstart the program, Wayne Dennis.  

In an increasingly interconnected world, safeguarding our digital assets has become paramount. The Cybersecurity Fellowship Program at BPC will bring together outstanding individuals who are passionate about cybersecurity and public service. This comprehensive fellowship will give them an unparalleled opportunity to contribute to the national security conversation while providing policymakers access to experts and diversity in perspectives. 

Each fellowship program will run for a period of six months, during which selected fellows will engage in cutting-edge research, policy analysis, and collaborative projects focused on cybersecurity strategy, resilience, and best practices. Participants will work alongside BPC’s policy experts and partners, giving invaluable insights into the multifaceted dimensions of cybersecurity. 

“By launching this fellowship program, the Bipartisan Policy Center aims to bridge the gap between policy and practice in the realm of cybersecurity. We recognize that addressing cyber threats demands a cohesive effort between the public and private sectors, and we are eager to support the development of leaders who will drive this collaboration,” said Tom Romanoff, Director of Technology Policy at the Bipartisan Policy Center. 

Key elements of the Cybersecurity Fellowship Program: 

1. Policy Research and Development: Fellows will work on real-world cybersecurity issues, conducting policy research and contributing to developing innovative recommendations to address cyber threats.
2. Networking Opportunities: The fellowship will facilitate networking with industry leaders, policymakers, and cybersecurity experts, creating a platform for long-lasting connections within the cybersecurity community.

With over a decade of global experience in technology, Dennis is an accomplished professional in the domains of product management, privacy, and security. He possesses extensive expertise in handling complex privacy, data protection, security, legal, and policy issues. Wayne is a recognized leader in the tech industry, having led product management security and privacy initiatives related to Augmented Reality, Virtual Reality, Artificial Intelligence, Generative AI, IoT, Operational Technology, Metaverse, and Gaming.

As a Director of Privacy Product at Meta, Dennis leads a diverse and inclusive team, setting ambitious goals and objectives that align with Meta’s privacy commitments.

Prior to his role at Meta, he served as a Global Practice Leader for Google Cloud Security at Accenture, where he was responsible for the go-to-market security relationship with Google Cloud Platform (GCP) globally. He also led the development of enterprise and functional transformation strategies, talent strategies, and the implementation of new organizational capabilities.

Dennis’ extensive experience includes roles at PricewaterhouseCoopers, Westinghouse Nuclear, Inovalon, and the Software Engineering Institute at Carnegie Mellon University. He has contributed significantly to the field of cybersecurity and privacy through his thought leadership, publications, and participation in industry events and committees 

“My fellowship at the Bipartisan Policy Center represents a unique chance to bridge the gap between cybersecurity and policy. I’m excited to bring my technical expertise to the table and help shape policies that enhance our nation’s security and resilience,” Dennis said.