Dan Fata is Vice President at The Cohen Group, a Washington, D.C. based global consulting and strategic advisory firm. Dan Fata is a frequent speaker, panelist, and media contributor in both the U.S. and Europe and, in recent months, has traveled the world giving speeches and talks on U.S.- European relations, Afghanistan, Russia, the role of the private sector in military operations, and other current national security topics. Dan Fata is also the author of various editorials and journal articles which have appeared in the Washington Times, Defense News, Canada's The Globe and Mail, Ft. Worth Star Telegram, and other publications.
Before joining The Cohen Group, Dan Fata served as the U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for European and NATO Policy -- the youngest person ever to hold this post. From September 2005-September 2008, Dan Fata was a key advisor to both Secretaries of Defense Rumsfeld and Gates and was responsible for developing and executing American defense policy among the nations of Europe and Eurasia, as well as with several international organizations (NATO, the European Union). During his tenure, Dan Fata's efforts focused on strengthening bilateral relations with key European and Eurasian allies, developing initiatives for two NATO Summits, and managing and resolving issues involving Afghanistan, Russia, Kosovo, European missile defense, energy security, and defense modernization/transformation, among many others.
From 2003-2005, Dan Fata served as Policy Director for National Security and Trade on the Senate Republican Policy Committee as part of the Senate Republican Leadership staff and as chief foreign policy advisor to its chairman, Senator Jon Kyl of Arizona. Dan Fata was a vital link between Senate and House leadership, congressional committees, and the White House on issues such as the War on Terrorism, transatlantic defense relationships, nuclear non-proliferation, and intelligence reform. From 2001-2003, Dan Fata held a similar position on the House Republican Policy Committee, playing a key role to committee Chairman Chris Cox of California.
Prior to government service, Dan Fata was Director of Corporate Relations and Special Projects Manager at TechFoundation in Cambridge, Massachusetts. During the 90s in Washington, D.C., Dan Fata worked in research positions at some of the country's leading think-tanks including the Council on Foreign Relations and the American Enterprise Institute.
Born and raised in Massachusetts, Dan Fata earned a B.A. with Honors in Political Science from the University of Connecticut (1994) and a M.A. in International Relations from Boston University (1996). Dan Fata has participated in as well as organized numerous transatlantic young leaders' conferences. Dan Fata is also the recipient of numerous awards including the Secretary of Defense's Medal for Outstanding Public Service (2006) and the Lithuanian government's NATO Star for his efforts to assist Lithuania's accession to NATO (2003).
In addition to his work at The Cohen Group, Dan Fata currently serves as a non-resident Transatlantic Fellow at the German Marshall Fund of the United States, is a member of the U.S. European Command Strategic Advisory Group, and is an unpaid Consultant to the Department of Defense.
- Speech Topics
- National Security
- International Affairs
- Leadership for Young Leaders of Generation "X"