Association of International Risk Intelligence Professionals - AIRIP

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Association of International Risk Intelligence Professionals - AIRIP

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AIRIP is a 501(c)(6) nonprofit professional association that empowers members to unlock the value of intelligence in their organizations by connecting, developing and engaging international risk intelligence professionals. Founded in 2015, the Association of International Risk Intelligence Professionals (AIRIP) is a 501(c)(6) nonprofit professional association that empowers members to unlock the v

alue of intelligence in their organizations by connecting, developing and engaging international risk intelligence professionals. AIRIP represents a diverse network of risk intelligence professionals across industries and sectors and is committed to developing risk leaders via professional development, networking and training to advance the profession of risk intelligence.

05/26/2026

Last Chance to Register for AIRIP's May Webinar – Operationalizing AI in the Risk and Intelligence Space - Thursday, May 28 at 1 PM ET.

In this webinar you will learn about how AI is enabling decision advantage and reducing risk for clients across the risk and intelligence space. The webinar will feature a panel discussion where we will explore how AI is impacting workflows, discuss use cases, weigh AI judgement and surface AI limitations and constraints.

The discussion is intended to go beyond hype and showcase how AI is transforming the risk and intelligence business by showcasing examples from industry leaders, followed by audience Q&A. The session will end with an informal, off the record networking session.

Panelists will include Bob Kolasky (Exiger), Melissa Newberg (Seerist), and Jillian Stampher (Factal).

Daniel Thorman (ODNI) and a member of the AIRIP Education Committee, will moderate the event.

New in 2026! We're adding an additional 30 minutes to the webinars for unrecorded additional Q&A and general networking.

Webinar Agenda

· Good Afternoon! - 1:00 PM ET

· Professional Development - 1:05 PM ET

· Have A Great Day! (Recording Ends) - 2:00 PM ET

· OPTIONAL Professional Networking with Presenters/Participants - 2:01 - 2:30 PM ET

Register at: https://www.airip.org/event/operationalizingAI

05/20/2026

Meet Daniel Thorman (Dan), a U.S. Intelligence professional, a member of the AIRIP Education Committee, and the moderator for the May edition of AIRIP’s 2026 Webinar Series – Operationalizing AI in the Risk and Intelligence Space.

Dan is a U.S. Intelligence Community professional with more than 20 years of experience in strategy, policy development, information management, and training. He currently serves as a Strategy Management Officer at the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI), where he supports the development and implementation of the 2027 National Intelligence Strategy across the U.S. Intelligence Community.

Dan holds a Certificate in Strategic Management from Georgetown University, a Certificate in Managing a Sustainable Learning Organization from University of Maryland, and a B.A. in Criminal Justice from University of St. Thomas. He is a member of the Association of International Risk Intelligence Professionals, serving on its Education Committee, and the DC Analysts' Roundtable.

We’re pleased to have him with us, and we hope you can join us on Thursday, May 28th at 1 PM ET.

Register at: https://www.airip.org/event/operationalizingAI

05/19/2026

Meet Jillian Stampher, Head of Editorial at Factal and one of the panelists for the May edition of AIRIP’s 2026 Webinar Series – Operationalizing AI in the Risk and Intelligence Space.

At Factal, Jillian oversees a 24/7 newsroom that blends journalists with AI technologies to provide real-time verified coverage of global news events. Prior to Factal, she worked as a journalist and editor at HuffPost and Breaking News within NBC.

Jillian is responsible for a global team of journalists at Factal, who cover everything from geopolitics to severe weather, combining decades of news experience with AI tools.

We’re pleased to have her with us, and we hope you can join us on Thursday, May 28th at 1 PM ET.

Register at: https://www.airip.org/event/operationalizingAI

05/18/2026

Meet Melissa Newberg, Global Head of Intelligence at Seerist and one of the panelists for the May edition of AIRIP’s 2026 Webinar Series – Operationalizing AI in the Risk and Intelligence Space.

Prior to joining Seerist, Melissa was the Global Protective Intelligence Manager at Meta. She’s also served in senior civilian intelligence roles in the United States Air Force, initially based in the Pentagon, Western Europe, and Capitol Hill.

At Seerist, Melissa is responsible for how threat and geopolitical intelligence is built, scaled, and used by decision-makers, with a core part of her work focusing on how AI is applied in intelligence so they reinforce tradecraft, context, and clarity.

We’re pleased to have her with us, and we hope you can join us on Thursday, May 28th at 1 PM ET.

Register at: https://www.airip.org/event/operationalizingAI

05/14/2026

Meet Bob Kolasky, Senior Vice President for Critical Infrastructure at Exiger and a panelist for the May edition of AIRIP’s 2026 Webinar Series – Operationalizing AI in the Risk and Intelligence Space.

At Exiger Bob focuses on developing cutting-edge risk management solutions for critical infrastructure companies and supporting government agencies. In this role, Bob leads market strategy for addressing third party and supply chain risk in critical infrastructure and delivering analysis to support enhanced business and government operations.

Bob also serves as a Nonresident Scholar in Technology and International Affairs Program at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, as a Senior Associate for the Center on Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), and a Senior Fellow at Auburn University’s McCrary Institute. He is the former Chair of the High-Level Risk Forum for the Organization of Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).

Bob joined Exiger after 15 years as a senior leader in the Federal government, where he was responsible for foundational work in national security risk management, to include the development of the National Critical Functions risk network.

Bob was the founding Director for the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency’s (CISA) National Risk Management Center (NRMC) at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). As one of CISA’s Assistant Directors, he oversaw efforts to facilitate a strategic, cross-sector government and industry risk management approach to cyber and supply chain threats to critical infrastructure including U.S. election systems. As head of the NRMC, he co-chaired the Information and Communications Technology Supply Chain Risk Management Task Force and led CISA’s efforts to support development of a secure 5G network. He also led the Agency’s work to support the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS).

Bob has served in a number of other senior leadership roles for DHS, including Acting Assistant Secretary and Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Infrastructure Protection. He served as the Director of the DHS Cyber Physical Critical Infrastructure Integrated Task Force to implement Presidential Policy Directive 21 on Critical Infrastructure Security and Resilience, as well as Executive Order 13636 on Critical Infrastructure Cybersecurity.

Earlier in his career, Bob was a management consultant, a journalist and an entrepreneur. He graduated from Dartmouth College and from the Harvard Kennedy School of Government. He is the proud father of three wonderful young adults.

We’re pleased to have him with us, and we hope you can join us on Thursday, May 28th at 1 PM ET.

Register at: https://www.airip.org/event/operationalizingAI

05/06/2026

2026-2027 Board Election Results!

AIRIP is proud to announce the results of its 2026-2027 Board election! Please join
us in congratulating these new Board members who will begin three-year terms on June 1.

• Mark Caudill
• Nikki Rutman
• Sam Talbott

Mark, Nikki, and Sam bring a diverse range of professional backgrounds, experiences, and leadership skills, and they will be integral in helping us chart AIRIP's path forward. We are so happy to have them on our Board.

The Board officers for 2026-2027 will be:

• Kristin Lendardson, President
• Aditya Luthra, Vice President
• Lisa Zaripov, Secretary
• Sam Talbott, Treasurer

The following board member will be rolling off the Board on May 31st.

• Drew Zeiber

We will forever be thankful for his service to AIRIP!

Thank you to AIRIP's members for their participation in this important election process.

04/21/2026

Last chance to register for our April Webinar – Beyond the Stadium – Risk Intelligence at Mega-Sporting Events happening this Thursday at 1 PM ET.

Professionals working at the nexus of security, intelligence, and sports – Rachael Hughen (Senior Manager, Intelligence, FIFA26 US), Mario Leonardo (Security and Operations, LA28 Olympics), Mike Smith (Director, Global Security Operations Center, NFL Security), and Matthew Crymble (Technical Project Manager, Cyber Management International Corporation) join us to discuss the most complex security challenges and risk intelligence systems confronting mega-sporting events globally. From transnational criminal networks and geopolitical flashpoints to ransomware attacks, drone incursions, and AI-powered disinformation, join us to hear how these experts anticipate intelligence requirements, coordinate security, and minimize risks at these mega-events. We’ll talk about how to separate noise from genuine threat signals and what practical frameworks from mega-sporting events can be applied by risk intelligence professionals at organizations of all sizes.

Manuel Balcazar (MB-IRIS Consulting) and a member of the AIRIP Education Committee, will moderate the event.

New in 2026! We're adding an additional 30 minutes to the webinars for unrecorded additional Q&A and general networking.

Webinar Agenda

• Good Afternoon! - 1:00 PM ET
• Professional Development - 1:05 PM ET
• Have A Great Day! (Recording Ends) - 2:00 PM ET
• OPTIONAL Professional Networking with Presenters/Participants - 2:01 - 2:30 PM ET

Register at: https://www.airip.org/event/Mega-SportingEvents

04/17/2026

Meet Manuel Balcazar, MB-IRIS Consulting and the moderator for the April edition of AIRIP’s 2026 Webinar Series – Beyond the Stadium – Risk Intelligence at Mega-Sporting Events.

With over 27 years of experience at the intersection of national security and private sector risk, Dr. Manuel Balcázar is a leading consultant specializing in intelligence and strategic governance across Latin America. Currently an Associate Researcher at ITAM’s Center for Studies on Intelligence, Security, and Governance (CESIG) and a member of the AIRIP Education Committee, Manuel bridges the gap between academic rigor and operational excellence.

His distinguished career in the Mexican government includes serving as Deputy General Director of National Security (Presidency) and Advisor to the Naval Intelligence Unit Chief. A graduate of the Center for Hemispheric Defense Studies (NDU) and a U.S. State Department Fellow, Manuel now leads MB-IRIS Consulting, providing high-stakes risk intelligence for the private sector in Mexico and LATAM.

We’re pleased to have him with us, and we hope you can join us on Thursday, April 23rd at 1 PM ET.

Register at: https://www.airip.org/event/Mega-SportingEvents

04/16/2026

Meet Michael T. Smith, Director, Global Security Operations Center, NFL Security and one of the panelists for the April edition of AIRIP’s 2026 Webinar Series – Beyond the Stadium – Risk Intelligence at Mega-Sporting Events.

Mike serves as the Director of the NFL Global Security Operations Center (GSOC), where he leads the league’s 24/7 Threat Intelligence, Travel Risk Management, and Emergency Coordination programs. In this role, he oversees strategic threat analysis, real-time situational awareness, and global protective intelligence in support of league executives, clubs, major events, and operations.

With expertise in threat intelligence, protective security, and large-scale event coordination, Michael drives the GSOC’s modernization initiative, including technology integration, operational design, and expansion of global capabilities. He partners closely with federal, state, local and international public-safety agencies, strengthening the league’s information-sharing and crisis-management posture across all venues and major events.

Prior to his hire at the NFL, he served as the Deputy Chief at Temple University for the Department of Public Safety, encompassing a portfolio to include Communications, Office of Professional Standards, Human Resources, and Technology. In 2023, he retired as a Captain from the New Jersey State Police, as the Executive Officer of the Regional Operations and Intelligence Center (NJ ROIC).

During his law enforcement career, he served in the Field Operations Section, the Investigations Branch, in the Cargo Theft Unit, Narcotics Unit, Weapons Trafficking Unit and Street Gangs Unit, receiving several Unit Citations and Awards for various successful long-term investigations.

His passion for intelligence grew when he was assigned to the New Jersey Regional Operations & Intelligence Center (NJ ROIC) Section. During his tenure at the NJ ROIC, he supervised the Information & Intelligence Analysis Bureau and the Office of Drug Monitoring and Analysis. Obtained secret security clearance and was granted access to classified FBI information systems and databases. Served as the Bureau Chief of the Information & Intelligence Analysis Bureau, managing the State’s three regional crime centers. Oversaw the construction and initial operations of the Real Time Crime Center in the City of Trenton, along with the Crime Gun Center and Facial Recognition Initiative. Instrumental in the creation and implementation of New Jersey’s Gun Violence Reduction Taskforce.

Michael participated in the coordination of Major/National Level Events: Hurricane Sandy, Super Bowl XLVII, Jersey City Active Shooter, NJ SPEAR Puerto Rico Earthquake Deployment, COVID-19 Pandemic. Presented at nationally recognized conferences on Real Time Crime Centers and Gun and Violent Crime Prevention, in Sacramento, CA and Washington D.C.

He attended and graduated from the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police (NJSACOP) Command and Leadership Academy (2020) held in NJ. He possess a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from Seton Hall University (2008) and a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science from Kean University (1994).

We’re pleased to have him with us, and we hope you can join us on Thursday, April 23rd at 1 PM ET.

Register at: https://www.airip.org/event/Mega-SportingEvents

01/16/2026

Meet Chris Savos, Founder and President of Savos Training Associates, and the moderator for the January edition of AIRIP’s 2026 Webinar Series – Messaging Strategies of Presidential and National Security Briefers.

Chris is the founder and President of Savos Training Associates (STA), which provides unique leadership and professional skills training based in part on Chris’s experiences as a senior Central Intelligence Agency executive. Chris has taught hundreds of professionals how to write and present in a concise and effective manner to meet the needs of the most demanding customers. He has also helped managers at all levels improve communication and trust with their people, peers, bosses, and customers. Chris has discreetly served public- and private-sector clients, including three of the world’s largest companies.

Chris served 22 years at the CIA, where he earned the Distinguished Career Intelligence Medal, the Agency’s highest award for career service. He ran analytical units covering sensitive regional issues and also oversaw technical analysts. As the first Lead Talent Officer in the Directorate of Analysis, Chris led an innovative effort to improve talent management programs and practices. He also received the Agency’s highest award for promoting diversity and inclusion and served in the Directorate of Operations for several years.

After leaving the Agency prior to launching STA, Chris served as a principal at a homeland security consulting company, was chief operating officer for a data analytics software firm in the Middle East, and cofounded and sold an online training company.

We’re pleased to have him with us, and we hope you can join us on Thursday, January 22nd at 1 PM ET.

Register at: https://www.airip.org/event/messaging_strategies

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PO Box 338
Union, KY
41091

Website

http://www.AIRIP.org/

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