Ashley Manning, principal deputy assistant secretary of defense for cyber policy at the Department of Defense, has emerged as a transformative leader in the realm of cybersecurity. With a decorated career spanning high-profile roles across international strategy, legislative policy and cyber defense, Manning is reshaping the intersection of defense and technology.
On May 15, she will bring her unique insights to the Potomac Officers Club’s 2025 Cyber Summit as the afternoon keynote speaker. This much anticipated GovCon conference, hosted at the Falls Church Marriott Fairview Park in Virginia, will gather cybersecurity leaders, industry innovators and government officials tackling the most pressing issues in cybersecurity. Topics will include the intersection of AI and cyber, quantum, zero trust and much more. Don’t miss out; register today!
Ashley Manning’s Recent Cyber Efforts at DOD
Ashley Manning took a pivotal step into the cybersecurity domain in 2024 when she assumed leadership of a newly established civilian-facing cyber policy office at the DOD. The Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Cyber Policy was born out of a directive in the 2023 defense authorization bill and marked a shift in enhancing the Pentagon’s focus on civilian collaboration and cyber defense policy. Manning’s early leadership in this role established the groundwork for initiatives designed to streamline cyber strategy and bolster unified military and civilian cyber operations.
Notably, Manning also contributed significantly to the “Cybercom 2.0″ initiative, an effort led alongside prominent defense leaders to advance the posture, talent and capabilities of U.S. Cyber Command in alignment with evolving threats. This initiative includes the development of a cyberforce generation model, advanced training frameworks and a cyber innovation warfare center for rapid capability enhancement. Manning briefed members of U.S. Congress on the initiative alongside former CYBERCOM Commander and Wash100 Award winner Gen. Timothy Haugh earlier this year.
Foreign Policy & Defense Experience
Manning’s career trajectory highlights her ability to excel in roles that demand strategic vision and an acute understanding of international affairs. Before her current position, she served as acting deputy assistant secretary of defense and principal director for the Middle East at the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Policy. Her engagement as Pakistan country director and director for global force posture further solidified her ability to craft impactful defense strategies.
Manning’s tenure abroad as deputy head of strategy at the UK Ministry of Defence exemplifies her capacity for tackling complex defense projects, including contributions to the UK Integrated Review strategy. Her multi-disciplinary expertise allowed her to oversee the intersection of defense strategy across regions critical to global security, including the Middle East.
What Are Ashley Manning’s Credentials?
Throughout her government service, Ashley Manning has been recognized with numerous awards for her contributions to national defense. These accolades include the Secretary of Defense Meritorious Civilian Service Award, the Department of Defense Exceptional Civilian Service Award and the UK Vice Chief of Defence Staff Commendation. Each reflects her dedication to modernizing defense strategies to meet the challenges of today’s multifaceted global security environment.
Ashley Manning to Address the 2025 Cyber Summit
The 2025 Cyber Summit, organized by the Potomac Officers Club, provides a vital platform to discuss emerging cyber challenges, public-private collaboration and cybersecurity workforce development. Manning’s keynote address will focus on the priorities and advancements in defense cyber policy, particularly her efforts to align military cyber strategies with civilian counterparts and private sector partnership.
The day-long event will also feature a keynote from CISA Executive Director Bridget Bean and discussions on topics including emerging cyber threats, zero trust frameworks, leveraging big data and analytics for cyber initiatives and intelligence-driven cyber. Join the conversation at this essential GovCon networking forum.
