ICIT Welcomes Benjamin J. Fernandes, PhD, MBA as a New ICIT Fellow

The Institute for Critical Infrastructure Technology (ICIT) is proud to welcome Benjamin J. Fernandes, PhD, MBA, as a new ICIT Fellow.

Dr. Fernandes brings a rare combination of academic excellence, senior-level policy experience, and operational leadership across national security, defense strategy, and emerging technologies. He currently teaches technology and national security at the National War College and George Mason University, shaping the next generation of strategic leaders at the intersection of innovation and security.

A career U.S. Army strategist, intelligence, and infantry officer, Dr. Fernandes has served in some of the nation’s most critical defense and policy roles, including positions within the White House, the Joint Staff, and as Director for Defense Policy and Strategy on the National Security Council (NSC). In that role, he oversaw the protection of critical infrastructure, war plans, and operational energy—issues central to ICIT’s mission.

His leadership also includes serving as Study Manager for Robotics and Autonomous Systems for the Army Science Board, where he helped guide strategic thinking on advanced and emerging technologies shaping the future of defense and national resilience.

Dr. Fernandes holds a PhD in Public Policy from George Mason University, an MBA from Auburn University, and is a graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point. A lifetime member of the Council on Foreign Relations and former president of the Army Strategist Association, his service has been recognized with numerous honors, including the Bronze Star and the Order of St. Gabriel (Gold).

Beyond his professional achievements, Dr. Fernandes is deeply committed to mentorship and innovation, volunteering as a high school robotics coach to help inspire future leaders in science, technology, and national security.

ICIT is honored to welcome Dr. Fernandes as a Fellow and looks forward to his contributions advancing critical infrastructure protection, strategic technology policy, and national security thought leadership.

About ICIT

The Institute for Critical Infrastructure Technology (ICIT) is a nonprofit, nonpartisan, 501(c)3 think tank with the mission of modernizing, securing, and making resilient critical infrastructure that provides for people’s foundational needs. ICIT is dedicated to being a resource for the organizations and communities that share our mission.