Daniel Fata is President of Fata Advisory, LLC. He is a national security consultant, strategic advisor, and public policy expert focused on helping companies and organizations enhance their offerings through the development of government affairs strategies, risk assessments, strategic plans, and partnership initiatives. He has a record of success working with C-Suite executives, Cabinet officers, senior military and foreign officials, and public sector leaders. He is both a board director and an advisory board member with numerous dual-use technology start up efforts.
Dan is an expert on issues regarding U.S. national security, government relations, transatlantic security policy, global aerospace and defense industry, emerging technology, and innovation amongst other issues. He has nearly 30 years’ experience working in Congress, the Defense Department, the aerospace and defense industry, the consulting arena, and as part of America’s leading think tanks. He is also a Senior Advisor (Non-Resident) at the U.S.-based Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS).
In February 2022, Dan was appointed by the U.S. Senate leadership to serve as one of sixteen Commissioners on the congressionally mandated Afghanistan War Commission. The Commission was established in the FY22 National Defense Authorization Act to study America’s 20-year involvement in the war in Afghanistan and to assess lessons learned for future conflicts. The Commission has a three-year mandate.
For seven years, Dan served in various capacities as Vice President for Government Affairs at Lockheed Martin (LM). From 2017-2021, he was Vice President for Policy and Strategy Engagement responsible for managing high profile cross-functional, cross-collaborative projects focused on innovation, defense industrial base, acquisition policy, DoD budget, and workforce. He served as the Corporate lead for overall Executive Branch engagement with the White House and key DoD offices/agencies. He also managed the Corporation’s strategic relationships with major industry associations, domestic think tanks, and influencers. From 2015-2017, Dan served as Vice President for International Program Support, where he was responsible for developing and executing U.S. government engagement strategies that supported LM’s business priorities around the globe.
Prior to joining Lockheed Martin, Dan spent six years as the Vice President for The Cohen Group (TCG), a global strategic advisory firm. He was responsible for leading client engagements with Fortune 500 companies on issues related to defense, aerospace, intelligence, technology, logistics, nuclear power, and overseas development. He managed nearly a dozen client teams and created/led numerous initiatives assisting clients with business development, profile raising in key markets, market access, risk development, and domestic and international government affairs strategies.
From 2005-2008, he served as the U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for European and NATO Policy (DASD NATO Policy). In that role, he was a key advisor to two Secretaries of Defense and was responsible for developing and executing American defense policy among the nations of Canada, Europe,
Russia, and Eurasia, as well as with international organizations including NATO and the European Union.
Prior to his DoD assignment, Dan worked in Congress as Policy Director for National Security and Trade for Rep. Christopher Cox (R-CA) and Sen. Jon Kyl (R-AZ) in their capacities as Chairmen of the Republican Policy Committees in the Senate and House of Representatives.
Dan has been affiliated with some of America’s premier think tanks and NGOs. He is a regular guest lecturer at leading U.S. colleges and universities. He continues to publish analytical pieces on national security issues. He graduated with Honors from the University of Connecticut with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science. He earned his Master of Arts degree in International Relations from Boston University. In 2024, Dan was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Laws from the University of Connecticut.
