Anser Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

Anser has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, financial management, information technology, human resources, and legal affairs.

Committed to public service research and national security, Anser delivers objective analysis and program management to shape the future of federal policy and technology development.

Leadership Roles at Anser

  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Carmen Spencer
  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Steve Hopkins
  • Chief Financial Officer - Hubert Shaw
  • Chief Operating Officer - Carlos Marino
  • Chief Operating Officer & Senior VP, At Anser - Jessica Albosta
  • Senior Cyber Staff Action Officer & Chief Information Officer, Dod - Derrick Neese
  • Chief Information Officer, Dow Tactical Data Link SME - Joshua Pruett
  • Chief Information Officer, Strategic Communications Lead, Office of The Dod - Paul Brooks
  • Chief People Officer - Vanessa McCall
  • Chief Legal Officer - Susan Herlick
  • Carmen Spencer - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Carmen Spencer, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Anser, directs the overarching strategic vision for the organization. Spencer focuses on the expansion of public service research initiatives, ensuring that the corporation maintains its commitment to informing critical national security decisions. By aligning internal research capabilities with the evolving needs of the federal government, the President & Chief Executive Officer drives long-term institutional growth. Spencer manages high-level relationships with key stakeholders across the homeland security and public policy communities to secure new research opportunities. Through the oversight of complex program management frameworks, Carmen Spencer ensures that all organizational outputs meet the highest standards of objectivity and analytical rigor. This leadership role involves constant engagement with the Board to refine the corporate mission, ultimately positioning the firm as a primary advisor for government agencies seeking to navigate future challenges in the national security landscape.

    Steve Hopkins - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Steve Hopkins, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Anser, architects the operational framework for technology development collaborations. Hopkins concentrates on the management of research and development consortia, specifically through the subsidiary Advanced Technology International. By fostering partnerships between the federal government and private sector innovators, the President & Chief Executive Officer accelerates the delivery of critical defense technologies. Hopkins monitors the performance of these large-scale consortia to ensure alignment with national security objectives. Steve Hopkins maintains a focus on scaling the impact of these collaborative efforts across North American markets. This leadership role requires constant coordination with federal partners to identify emerging technological requirements. By optimizing the structure of these research networks, Hopkins enhances the ability of the organization to provide rapid, effective solutions for complex government programs, thereby strengthening the overall market position of the firm.
    Steve Hopkins

    Hubert Shaw - Chief Financial Officer

    Hubert Shaw, the Chief Financial Officer at Anser, manages the fiscal health and long-term financial planning of the corporation. Shaw oversees all accounting, budgeting, and financial reporting functions, ensuring that the organization maintains the necessary capital to support its research and development mission. By implementing rigorous financial controls, the Chief Financial Officer protects the integrity of the not-for-profit structure while enabling sustainable growth. Shaw works closely with the executive team to evaluate the financial viability of new government contracts and research consortia. Hubert Shaw directs the allocation of funds to support critical infrastructure and talent acquisition, which are essential for maintaining the firm's competitive edge. This leadership role involves regular reporting to the Board regarding fiscal performance and risk management. Through disciplined financial oversight, Shaw ensures that the organization remains well-positioned to continue providing high-value analytical services to the federal government.
    Hubert Shaw

    Carlos Marino - Chief Operating Officer

    Carlos Marino, the Chief Operating Officer at Anser, manages the internal business processes that support the delivery of objective studies and analyses. Marino oversees the daily execution of program management tasks, ensuring that all project teams maintain strict adherence to quality standards. By streamlining administrative workflows, the Chief Operating Officer improves the efficiency of research operations across the entire organization. Marino coordinates with department heads to allocate resources effectively, supporting the firm's mission to inform national security decisions. Carlos Marino monitors operational metrics to identify areas for process improvement and cost optimization. This leadership role involves the implementation of robust project management methodologies that allow the firm to handle complex, multi-year government contracts. Through the continuous refinement of internal systems, Marino ensures that the organization remains agile and responsive to the shifting demands of the public policy and homeland security sectors.

    Jessica Albosta - Chief Operating Officer & Senior VP, At Anser

    Jessica Albosta, the Chief Operating Officer & Senior VP, At Anser, leads the strategic integration of business development and operational excellence. Albosta focuses on the expansion of the firm's footprint within the homeland security sector, driving initiatives that connect research capabilities with specific agency needs. By overseeing the alignment of service delivery with client expectations, the Chief Operating Officer & Senior VP, At Anser ensures that the organization consistently provides actionable insights. Albosta manages cross-functional teams to execute complex program management strategies that support national security objectives. Jessica Albosta monitors market trends to identify new opportunities for growth and service diversification. This leadership role involves close collaboration with other C-suite members to refine the corporate strategy and improve operational performance. Through the application of advanced management techniques, Albosta strengthens the firm's ability to deliver high-impact solutions that address the most pressing challenges facing the nation.
    Jessica Albosta

    Derrick Neese - Senior Cyber Staff Action Officer & Chief Information Officer, Dod

    Derrick Neese, the Senior Cyber Staff Action Officer & Chief Information Officer, Dod at Anser, directs the cybersecurity posture and information technology infrastructure of the firm. Neese oversees the protection of sensitive research data, ensuring that all digital systems comply with stringent federal security requirements. By architecting secure network environments, the Senior Cyber Staff Action Officer & Chief Information Officer, Dod enables the organization to handle classified and highly sensitive information for government clients. Neese manages the integration of advanced cyber defense tools to mitigate risks associated with digital threats. Derrick Neese coordinates with technical teams to ensure that IT systems support the analytical and research needs of the broader organization. This leadership role involves constant monitoring of the threat landscape to proactively address vulnerabilities. Through the implementation of robust information security policies, Neese ensures the continuity and integrity of the firm's critical research operations.
    Joshua Pruett, the Chief Information Officer, Dow Tactical Data Link SME at Anser, manages the specialized communication systems and data link technologies that support tactical research. Pruett oversees the development and maintenance of technical platforms that facilitate secure information exchange for defense-related projects. By focusing on the interoperability of tactical data links, the Chief Information Officer, Dow Tactical Data Link SME ensures that the firm's research outputs are compatible with modern military communication standards. Pruett directs the technical staff in the deployment of advanced data processing tools that enhance the quality of analytical studies. Joshua Pruett collaborates with other IT leaders to ensure that the firm's technological infrastructure remains at the forefront of industry standards. This leadership role involves providing subject matter expertise on tactical data systems to support complex government programs. Through the optimization of these technical assets, Pruett enables the organization to deliver precise and reliable data-driven insights.

    Paul Brooks - Chief Information Officer, Strategic Communications Lead, Office of The Dod

    Paul Brooks, the Chief Information Officer, Strategic Communications Lead, Office of The Dod at Anser, manages the digital communication strategies and information systems that support high-level government engagement. Brooks oversees the platforms used to disseminate research findings and analytical reports to key stakeholders within the Department of Defense. By ensuring the reliability and security of these communication channels, the Chief Information Officer, Strategic Communications Lead, Office of The Dod facilitates the effective transfer of knowledge. Brooks directs the technical teams responsible for maintaining the integrity of strategic information flows. Paul Brooks works to align IT capabilities with the communication requirements of the firm's federal partners. This leadership role involves the development of secure, efficient systems that support the organization's mission to inform national security decisions. Through the management of these critical communication assets, Brooks ensures that the firm's insights reach the right decision-makers at the right time.

    Vanessa McCall - Chief People Officer

    Vanessa McCall, the Chief People Officer at Anser, directs the human capital strategy and organizational development initiatives. McCall oversees talent acquisition, employee engagement, and professional development programs designed to attract and retain the specialized expertise required for public service research. By fostering a culture of excellence and integrity, the Chief People Officer ensures that the workforce remains aligned with the firm's core mission. McCall manages the implementation of performance management systems that reward high-impact contributions to national security projects. Vanessa McCall works with the executive team to identify future talent needs and build a pipeline of skilled professionals. This leadership role involves the development of policies that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion across the organization. Through the strategic management of human resources, McCall ensures that the firm possesses the intellectual capital necessary to address the complex challenges facing the nation's future.
    Susan Herlick, the Chief Legal Officer at Anser, manages the legal and regulatory affairs of the corporation. Herlick oversees all contract negotiations, compliance programs, and risk management activities, ensuring that the firm operates within the legal frameworks governing not-for-profit research institutes. By providing expert legal guidance, the Chief Legal Officer protects the organization's interests while facilitating its work with federal agencies. Herlick directs the legal team in addressing complex regulatory requirements related to government contracting and technology development. Susan Herlick works closely with the executive leadership to mitigate legal risks associated with research and analytical projects. This leadership role involves the oversight of corporate governance and the maintenance of ethical standards across all business operations. Through the diligent management of legal matters, Herlick ensures that the firm remains a trusted and compliant partner for the government, supporting the long-term stability and success of the organization.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Anser Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Anser?
    Anser is led by Carmen Spencer (President & Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Steve Hopkins (President & Chief Executive Officer) and Hubert Shaw (Chief Financial Officer).
    Who is part of Anser’s executive team?
    The executive team of Anser includes leaders such as Carmen Spencer (President & Chief Executive Officer), Steve Hopkins (President & Chief Executive Officer), Hubert Shaw (Chief Financial Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Anser have?
    Anser has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Anser’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Anser includes roles such as President & Chief Executive Officer, President & Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Chief Operating Officer & Senior VP, At Anser.