Anne Cheever is a biotechnology executive and national security leader with over a decade of experience advancing high-impact research, policy, and innovation at the intersection of biotechnology, space, and defense. She is widely recognized for her ability to translate cutting-edge science into operational capability while shaping responsible approaches to emerging and dual-use technologies.
She is known for her strategic vision, collaborative leadership, and commitment to advancing technologies that strengthen U.S. and global security.
“I’m at my best when motivated by the responsibility and privilege of helping ensure powerful new technologies are developed responsibly and used to strengthen security and opportunity.”
Education and previous work
Anne holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Cell and Developmental Biology her Bachelor of Science in Ecology, Ethology, and Evolution, both from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC). She also holds a certificate in business administration from UIUC.
Earlier in her career, Anne held senior roles at MITRE, Booz Allen Hamilton (supporting DARPA), and the U.S. Department of State, where she was an AAAS Science & Technology Policy Fellow. Since then, Anne has developed, led, and managed more than $380 million in federal R&D investments, most notably as a Program Manager in the Biological Technologies Office at DARPA, where she conceived and launched the agency’s first biomanufacturing-in-space program. Her work helped validate biotechnology as a viable manufacturing paradigm for space logistics and resilience, while also advancing research in synthetic biology, military medicine, and operational biology. She also catalyzed DARPA’s first cross-office initiative on societal implications in the space domain.
From 2023 to 2024, Anne served at the White House National Security Council as Director for Technology and National Security, coordinating U.S. government policy on critical and emerging technologies with a focus on biotechnology and biomanufacturing. In this role, she advised senior White House leadership and the National Security Adviser, contributing to an Executive Order and new national strategies, and built international partnerships with allies including the United Kingdom, Canada, Japan, South Korea, and India.
In addition to her work with PPG, Anne holds multiple advisory and research roles, including Adjunct Staff Member at RAND, Founder of Vela Scientific, LLC, and advisor to organizations such as Beacon Global Strategies and Rhodium Scientific, where she supports innovation across space, biodefense, and national security.