Bernard Steers NPS’ Center for Homeland Defense and Security into a New Era

Bernard, an alumnus of the Center for Homeland Defense and Security (CHDS), officially assumed the directorship of the institution this July. His previous role was Talent Portfolio Director and Acting Managing Director at the National Security Innovation Network (NSIN), part of the Department of Defense’s Defense Innovation Unit.

“I’m immensely grateful to have been appointed CHDS Director, and I’m looking forward to working with the outstanding faculty, staff, and students at the nation’s leading homeland security educational institution,” Bernard stated. He emphasized the importance of empathy, systems thinking, and creative problem-solving in fostering the growth and innovation of the homeland security sector.

Bernard, described as a “strategist, innovative problem solver, and storyteller” in the national and homeland security space, takes over from Glen Woodbury. Woodbury retired last summer following two decades of service to the institution based in Monterey, California.

Interim CHDS Director Jodi Stiles expressed her enthusiasm for Bernard’s appointment. “I am really looking forward to his ideas and energy for the center,” Stiles commented in a message to CHDS staff.

According to Retired U.S. Navy Vice Adm. Ann Rondeau, President of the Naval Postgraduate School, Bernard’s innovative approach at the federal level and his familiarity with the institution’s programs make him an ideal fit. Rondeau affirmed, “We are looking forward to his ideas on how to continue and further grow CHDS’ excellence.”

FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell also praised Bernard’s appointment. “Dr. Bernard’s distinguished federal service and his dedication to government innovation has prepared him to not only lead CHDS but propel the center forward,” she stated, underscoring his potential contributions to national readiness and resilience.

In his most recent role at NSIN, Bernard spearheaded initiatives to solve national security challenges by connecting the Department of Defense with non-traditional problem-solving communities, particularly in venture and academia. This reflected his longstanding commitment to innovative solutions in the national security arena.

Bernard’s career with the U.S. government began in 2003 with the DHS Office for Domestic Preparedness (ODP). He advanced from contractor to federal program manager by 2005. His subsequent roles included helping establish the Domestic Nuclear Detection Office’s State and Local Affairs, and contributing to the Operations Support Directorate’s development of radiological/nuclear detection capabilities.

At DHS, Bernard also served in several high-level roles, including Principal Deputy Assistant Director for Architecture and Plans, and Acting Innovation Officer for the National Risk Management Center. In these capacities, he was instrumental in enhancing the Global Nuclear Detection Architecture (GNDA) and advising on national security risks.

Educationally, Bernard completed his Master of Arts in Security Studies at CHDS in 2012, with a thesis on responsible whistleblowing in the context of Wikileaks. He later earned a Doctor of Science in Civil Security, Leadership, Management, and Policy from New Jersey City University in 2016, where his dissertation focused on defining non-state adversaries.

A Maryland native, Bernard now resides in Monterey with his wife and two daughters, bringing a wealth of experience and a forward-looking vision to his leadership at CHDS.