Karl Schneider is a retired Army Special Forces Officer, combat veteran, and cybersecurity expert with extensive experience in national security, defense policy, and cyber compliance. He has deployed across Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and Europe and served in key leadership roles, including Chief of Army Special Technical Operations at the Pentagon and Plans Officer for NATO’s High Readiness Force in Türkiye. Schneider has been involved in Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification discussions since his tenure at the Pentagon and is a recognized leader in cybersecurity compliance for the Defense Industrial Base. A Project Management Professional and CMMC Certified Professional, he has spent the last decade advising on cybersecurity strategy and compliance. Schneider holds a degree in Biology from Hampden-Sydney College and a Master of Arts in Diplomacy from Norwich University. He is an MIT Seminar XXI Fellow and speaks French and Turkish. Active in global affairs, he serves on the National Board of Directors for the World Affairs Councils of America and is a frequent guest on Colorado Public Radio, discussing topics ranging from international security to domestic policy.