Spades Institute

DEMOCRACY | FREEDOM | ETHICS

We connect government, industry, and academia to solve national security priorities.

Our Mission

Strengthen U.S. national security through trusted collaboration.

♠︎ Spades Institute was formed and built to empower individuals, organizations and communities to instill a lasting dedication to democracy, freedom, and ethics.

♠︎ We are a community committed to advancing ethics, democracy, and freedom through trusted, nonpartisan engagement across the public and private sectors. We are dedicated to forging strong partnerships to build resilience within our national security frameworks.

♠︎ We focus on convening the right voices, fostering collaboration across sectors, and delivering practical outcomes that strengthen the security and resilience of the United States.

Public/Private Engagements

Quarterly Speaker Series Within the National Security Apparatus

Our Speaker Series convenes senior voices from government, defense, technology, and industry for conversations that matter. Each session is designed to move beyond surface-level discussion, offering participants unique access to timely insights and practical lessons. By focusing on actionable outcomes and candid exchange, the series helps decision-makers, innovators, and practitioners sharpen their perspective and translate ideas into strategies that strengthen national security.

Bi-directional National Security Fellowship

The Fellowship creates a two-way exchange between government and industry professionals, placing experts in each other’s environments to foster trust and insight. Participants gain firsthand exposure to high-stakes missions, cutting-edge technology, and policy development, while contributing their own expertise to advance shared objectives. The program is purpose built through the collaboration of Spades Institute and participating organizations within the federal national security ecosystem.

Department of War National Security Fellowship

The Veterans Fellowship creates a pathway for current and former service members to apply their operational experience to pressing business and national security challenges. Fellows engage directly with executive leadership within industry, exchanging unique insights shaped by both the C-Suite and senior decision makers within the Department of War. The program provides structure, mentorship, and opportunities to turn lived expertise into actionable solutions that strengthen collaboration and resilience.

Our Team

♠︎ At the Spades Institute, our mission is to inspire and empower individuals, organizations, and communities to uphold democracy, freedom, and ethics.

♠︎ Behind this mission stands a dedicated team of passionate changemakers, visionaries, and leaders committed to creating a brighter future. Each member of our team brings unique expertise, a shared purpose, and an unwavering commitment to fostering lasting change. Together, we work to champion the values that matter most and to equip others with the tools to do the same.