Klon Kitchen leads tech policy at the Heritage Foundation.

As Heritage’s first Senior Fellow for Technology, National Security, and Science Policy, Klon steers an enterprise-wide, interdisciplinary effort to understand and to shape the Nation’s most important technology issues. This is the first effort of its kind at Heritage and it is another example of how the organization is providing innovative ideas and solutions—guided by conservative constitutional principles.

Klon’s personal research focuses on the intersection of technology and national security, with particular interest in artificial intelligence, autonomous weapons systems, Space, and intelligence issues. He is also a frequent commentator on privacy issues, social media, and the tech industry in general.

A popular speaker, Klon gives talks around the world on topics related to technology and national security, international cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and social media. He is also a frequent contributor on television, radio, podcasts, and other media.

Prior to joining Heritage, Klon was National Security Advisor to Senator Ben Sasse of Nebraska and also the Staff Director of the National Security and International Trade and Finance Subcommittee for the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. In these roles he was the Senator’s primary foreign policy and national security advisor, he managed and mentored the Senator’s foreign policy and defense staff, and he guided the execution of key legislative priorities.

Before his time on the Hill, Klon spent more than 15 years in the United States Intelligence Community working on counterterrorism, counterproliferation, covert action, and cyber issues. During this time he deployed to multiple combat zones and was awarded a number of honors, including the civilian combat support medal, the civilian expeditionary medal, and a special commendation from the Commander of Joint Special Operations Command.

Klon and his wife Tracy live in Maryland where they are active members of their church and where they are raising their four children—Ava, Ethan, Olivia, and Norah.