Paul Lushenko

Paul Lushenko, PhD, is a national security strategist, technology executive, author, and advisor with more than two decades of experience leading innovation at the intersection of defense, emerging technology, and strategic competition. A graduate of the U.S. Military Academy and Cornell University, he has served in elite operational units, senior Pentagon assignments, and across the interagency, helping shape enterprise-wide strategies for artificial intelligence, autonomy, drones, counter-drone capabilities, and digital transformation. As Chief Strategist for the U.S. military's Joint Interagency Task Force 401, Paul advises senior leaders on integrating emerging technologies into complex operational environments while bridging policy, strategy, acquisition, and implementation. Beyond government service, he is the founder of Adaptive Edge Consulting, an advisory firm that helps organizations innovate, implement, and scale emerging technologies to solve complex strategic challenges. An accomplished scholar and internationally recognized thought leader, Paul has authored multiple books and numerous peer-reviewed publications on technology, security, and modern warfare. He regularly advises government agencies, industry executives, investors, and technology companies on strategic growth, organizational transformation, and the future of AI, autonomy, and national security. His work is driven by a simple belief: organizations that successfully combine visionary strategy with disciplined execution will define the next era of technological advantage.