Kathleen L. Kiernan | President
NEC National Security Systems, Inc.

Dr. Kathleen L. Kiernan is President of NEC National Security Systems (NSS), a Foreign Ownership, Control, or Influence (FOCI) mitigated subsidiary of NEC Corporation of America with an anticipated special security agreement (SSA). Dr. Kiernan will execute the company’s vision of providing world-class biometric and identity, artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and computer vision applications for federal government agencies in defense, intelligence, law enforcement, and homeland security agencies.
A 29-year veteran of Federal Law Enforcement, Dr. Kiernan is a recognized expert in strategic thinking, strategy development, and facilitating critical incident management exercises across government and private sector organizations. She is the founder and CEO of Kiernan Group Holdings (KGH), a women-owned global consulting firm specializing in intelligence, law enforcement and national security. Previously, she served as the Assistant Director for the Office of Strategic Intelligence and Information for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF).
Dr. Kiernan has developed and trademarked four approaches to complex national-level issues (Fuciferi Versuiti®, Emerging Technology Innovation CenterTM, PWP® and G.O.T. Preparedness®). She is the recipient of numerous awards, including the American Security Today Platinum Award for Best Educational Program in Homeland Security in 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020. She is also an adjunct faculty member of the Johns Hopkins School of Education and the Center for Homeland Defense and Security at the Naval Postgraduate School.
 Dr. Kiernan holds a Doctor of Education from Northern Illinois University, a Master’s Degree in International Transaction from George Mason University, and a Master’s of Science from Joint Military Intelligence College.