Center for Homeland Defense and Security

09/30/2026

What do your smartphone, grocery supply chains, and local government have in common? Each can be a front line of Great Power Competition.

Seven Center for Homeland Defense and Security Master’s Program graduates examine how global competition reaches into everyday life—and what it means for homeland security. Their thesis research explores vulnerabilities in maritime trade, personal data, biotechnology, critical minerals, and more.

Read “The Quiet Front Lines of Great Power Competition” to explore their findings and recommendations for homeland security practitioners.

https://www.chds.us/c/gpc-theses/

The Great Power Competition (GPC) is a term used in academic and geopolitical circles for more than two decades, and describes the struggle between the United States, China, and Russia for global influence and dominance. Since the post-Cold War era, this battle has largely played out at the national...

09/29/2026

Congratulations to NPS Center for Homeland Defense and Security Master’s Program alumna Heather Marques, MA on being named the next Fire Chief of the Southern Marin Fire District - a very well-deserved appointment!! She brings nearly 20 years of Bay Area fire-service experience to the role and will take command on Oct. 12.

09/28/2026

Congratulations to CHDS Emergence alum John Fermon on his promotion to Lieutenant at the Bloomington, Illinois, Police Department!

Fermon will assume command of the Office of Professional Standards. Join us in celebrating this milestone and wishing him success in his new leadership role! 👏

09/27/2026

The future of homeland security needs leaders who are ready to think differently, collaborate across disciplines, and turn today’s challenges into tomorrow’s solutions.

Center for Homeland Defense and Security (CHDS) offers academic and executive education programs for professionals committed to strengthening public safety, emergency management, and homeland security. Whether you are an emerging professional or an experienced executive, there may be a CHDS program that can help you expand your perspective, build lasting connections, and increase your impact.

Explore our programs and discover your next step: https://www.chds.us/c/academic-programs/

09/25/2026

AI consultant Jacob Andra, CEO of Talbot West, joins NPS-CHDS instructor Rodrigo Nieto Gómez for a candid conversation about AI adoption and its implications for government.

From procurement pitfalls and vendor red flags to deepfakes, eroding trust, and the rise of agentic AI, the discussion cuts through the hype to explore practical considerations for decision-makers.

💻 YouTube Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PDo3Kc85NLc

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AI consultant Jacob Andra, CEO of Talbot West, joins NPS-CHDS instr...

09/24/2026

Congratulations to Anthony Gibson, Master’s Degree Program Alum, on his promotion from Lieutenant to Captain and Chief of Staff at the City of Charleston Police Department (SC)! Wishing him continued success as he takes on this new leadership role and serves the Charleston community.

09/23/2026

🏛What role do states play in addressing an evolving homeland defense environment?

Yesterday, the Center for Homeland Defense and Security (CHDS) Executive Education Program (EEP), in partnership with the Vermont Governor’s Office, convened Governor Phil Scott and senior leaders from across Vermont state government for an Executive Education Seminar in Montpelier focused on the homeland defense and homeland security challenges facing the state.

Throughout the seminar, state leaders engaged in a facilitated, scenario-based discussion examining the strategic decisions required as a threat evolves. The conversation explored state capabilities and resources, roles and responsibilities, interagency coordination, consequence management, crisis decision-making, public messaging, recovery, and maintaining public trust.

The seminar is part of EEP’s growing work to engage governors and senior state and local leaders on homeland defense, creating opportunities to examine how evolving threats affect jurisdictions and how leaders can coordinate across agencies and levels of government.

Thank you to Governor Phil Scott and the Vermont Governor’s Office, particularly Chief of Staff Jason Gibbs and Emma Ramirez-Richer, for their engagement, partnership, and support in making this discussion possible. We also thank Matt Cowles and David Kaufman, who co-facilitated and shared their expertise throughout the seminar, and panelists and subject matter experts Eileen O’Connor, John Rabin, and Alexa Huntington for contributing their perspectives and experience.

09/22/2026

Congratulations to our Emergence Program Alum, Chance W. on being nominated and awarded the Arizona Association of Emergency Managers “Rising Star” Award! 🌟

Well-deserved recognition for his leadership and dedication to the emergency management profession. Congratulations, Chance!

09/21/2026

NPS Center for Homeland Defense and Security (CHDS) programs are helping REDMOND FIRE & RESCUE build its next generation of leaders.

Through the CHDS Master’s Program and Executive Leaders Program, members of the department are expanding their strategic thinking, exploring emerging challenges, and building relationships across the homeland security enterprise.

The impact extends far beyond the classroom. CHDS alumni at Redmond Fire are applying their education to succession planning, regional collaboration, leadership development, artificial intelligence, EMS capacity, and preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

As Chief Adrian Sheppard, CHDS Master’s Alumn explained, CHDS allows local leaders “to think more globally.”

Learn how CHDS education is helping Redmond Fire create a future-ready force: https://www.chds.us/c/redmond-fire-succession-planning/

Redmond, Washington, is well-known as a technological, innovative city, and is currently preparing to help host the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Seattle. Concurrently, their fire department is being transformed by CHDS alumni. By leveraging CHDS for succession planning, Redmond Fire is preparing its leade...

09/19/2026

Join Heather Hollingsworth, Director Strategic Communications for CHDS, as she sits down with NPS Center for Homeland Defense and Security (CHDS) Director Dr. Gregory Bernard for the Hot Seat: CHDS Edition! They talk career lessons, the impact of higher education on graduates, and Greg’s vision for the future of CHDS, all while taking on some seriously hot wings. 🌶️

Think Dr. Gregory Bernard can make it through all the heat? Watch and find out! 👀🔥

Join us to hear Heather Hollingsworth interview CHDS Director, Greg...