Rosenblum’s current role places her at the heart of the Department of Defense’s (DoD) vast operations. She is entrusted with overseeing crucial domains including acquisition strategies, contract administration, logistics and supply chain resilience, infrastructure and environmental concerns, energy efficiency, and defense against chemical, biological, and nuclear threats. Furthermore, her responsibilities extend to nurturing the defense acquisition workforce and strengthening the defense industrial base, all of which are critical touchpoints for professional services organizations providing expert counsel and support to the DoD.
Before taking on this demanding position, Rosenblum served as the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Nuclear, Chemical, and Biological Defense Programs (ASD(NCB)). In this pivotal role, she acted as the primary advisor to the highest levels of the Defense Department on matters concerning nuclear weapons policy, nuclear energy initiatives, and programs designed to counter biological and chemical warfare. Her expertise in these highly specialized areas underscores the depth of knowledge she brings to the broader defense conversation, a perspective highly valued by professional services councils specializing in security and defense consulting.
Adding to her portfolio, Rosenblum also took on the duties of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Industrial Base Policy (ASD(IBP)). This dual responsibility highlights her comprehensive understanding of the defense ecosystem. In her IBP capacity, she was responsible for formulating and directing departmental policies and programs aimed at maintaining a robust U.S. defense industrial base. This included managing small business programs within the defense sector, analyzing geo-economic trends impacting national security, and monitoring the implications of foreign investments in the U.S. through the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS). Her work in industrial base policy directly intersects with the interests of professional services councils that advise on supply chain management, economic security, and industrial strategy within the defense industry.
Prior to her government service, Rosenblum’s career spanned both the non-profit and private sectors. She held the position of Executive Vice President at the Nuclear Threat Initiative (NTI), a non-profit organization focused on reducing the threats from nuclear, biological and chemical weapons. Her leadership role at NTI, managing a substantial operating budget, demonstrates her executive capabilities and her commitment to global security issues, aligning with the values often espoused by professional services councils engaged in public interest work.
Rosenblum also spent seven years as Vice President at The Cohen Group, an international consulting firm. In this role, she led teams focused on developing business opportunities within the defense and homeland security markets. Her experience in market analysis and strategic consulting, particularly supporting international mergers and acquisitions, provides her with a practical understanding of the business dynamics within the defense sector, a perspective highly relevant to professional services firms advising clients in this space.
Earlier in her career with the U.S. Department of Defense, Rosenblum held senior positions with diverse policy responsibilities. Notably, she served as a U.S. negotiator in multi-year bilateral talks with the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea concerning its nuclear program. This experience in high-stakes international negotiations showcases her diplomatic skills and her ability to navigate complex geopolitical challenges, qualities that are valuable assets in both government and professional services environments.
Ms. Rosenblum’s academic credentials include a master’s degree from Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs and a bachelor’s degree from Middlebury College, where she was elected to Phi Beta Kappa. Her fluency in French further enhances her international perspective and communication skills.
In conclusion, Deborah G. Rosenblum’s multifaceted career, spanning government, non-profit, and private sectors, positions her as a leader with profound insights into defense, policy, and international security. Her extensive experience and deep understanding of the defense industrial base, acquisition processes, and national security challenges make her background highly relevant to the work and interests of professional services councils operating within these critical sectors. Her career trajectory exemplifies the intersection of public service and professional expertise, highlighting the valuable contributions of experienced leaders in navigating the complexities of the modern defense landscape.
