Drew Nickels

Drew Nickels is a Deputy Director at the Department of Energy focusing on nuclear security and materials information. Previously, he was a foreign affairs specialist with the National Nuclear Security Administration focusing on nuclear 123 Agreements for Cooperation, export controls, multilateral treaty compliance, and engagements with former WMD scientists from the Former Soviet Union, Libya, and Iraq to mitigate the risk of expertise proliferation. He also served a rotation as a policy advisor at the Department of Homeland Security, and later served as a foreign policy advisor for Congressman Joe Wilson. He received a Bachelor’s degree in International Studies and Economics from American University, a Master’s in Security Studies from Georgetown University, an MBA from the Citadel, and a Master’s in Defense and Strategic Studies from the U.S. Naval War College graduating with Distinction from its College of Naval Command and Staff. (This bio is current to when the participant joined FDD’s National Security Alumni Network.)