Anser Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

Anser has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, financial oversight, information technology, and human capital management.

Committed to objective research and public service, Anser delivers critical analysis and program management to national security and homeland security sectors while fostering innovation through government-led technology consortia.

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, Strategic Communications Lead, Office of The Dod - Paul Brooks
  • Chief Information Officer, Dow Tactical Data Link SME - Joshua Pruett
  • 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 manages the delivery of objective research and analysis to national security and homeland security clients. By aligning corporate resources with federal mission requirements, the President & Chief Executive Officer ensures the institute maintains its reputation for impartial, high-impact decision support. Carmen Spencer oversees the integration of program management services across the entire enterprise, driving growth through the expansion of research and development consortia. This leadership role involves constant engagement with public policy stakeholders to address complex national challenges. Through rigorous oversight of organizational performance, the President & Chief Executive Officer secures the long-term viability of the not-for-profit mission. By fostering a culture of excellence, Spencer enables the workforce to provide actionable insights that shape the future of the nation.

    Steve Hopkins - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Steve Hopkins, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Anser, architects the operational framework for technology development collaborations. Hopkins manages the subsidiary operations of Advanced Technology International, focusing on the organization of research consortia for the federal government. The President & Chief Executive Officer drives the development of innovative solutions that bridge the gap between public sector needs and private sector capabilities. Steve Hopkins coordinates with government agencies to ensure that research initiatives remain aligned with evolving national security priorities. By optimizing the management of complex R&D programs, the President & Chief Executive Officer enhances the efficiency of technology transfer processes. This leadership role requires deep expertise in navigating the intersection of public policy and technical innovation. Through strategic partnerships, Hopkins expands the reach of the organization, ensuring that the institute remains a vital resource for the federal government.
    Steve Hopkins

    Hubert Shaw - Chief Financial Officer

    Hubert Shaw, the Chief Financial Officer at Anser, directs the financial strategy and fiscal health of the corporation. Shaw manages the budgeting, accounting, and financial reporting processes that sustain the not-for-profit mission. The Chief Financial Officer oversees the allocation of capital to support research initiatives and technology development consortia. Hubert Shaw ensures compliance with federal contracting regulations, maintaining the integrity of the financial systems that support national security projects. By providing accurate financial forecasting, the Chief Financial Officer enables the leadership team to make informed decisions regarding long-term growth and resource investment. This leadership role involves managing relationships with auditors and government oversight bodies to ensure transparency. Through the implementation of robust financial controls, Shaw secures the fiscal stability required to continue the institute's long-standing commitment to informing decisions that shape the future of the nation.
    Hubert Shaw

    Carlos Marino - Chief Operating Officer

    Carlos Marino, the Chief Operating Officer at Anser, directs the internal business processes and administrative functions of the organization. Marino oversees the execution of program management contracts, ensuring that all deliverables meet the rigorous standards required by national security clients. The Chief Operating Officer manages the daily operational flow, optimizing resource allocation to support the research and analysis teams. Carlos Marino implements scalable systems that improve organizational efficiency across all departments. By streamlining internal workflows, the Chief Operating Officer supports the broader mission of providing objective, data-driven insights to the public policy community. This leadership role involves close collaboration with the executive team to translate strategic goals into actionable operational plans. Through the management of corporate infrastructure, Marino ensures that the institute maintains the agility necessary to respond to shifting federal requirements and complex national security challenges.

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

    Jessica Albosta, the Chief Operating Officer & Senior VP, At Anser at Anser, directs the strategic expansion of the organization's service offerings. Albosta manages the operational integration of new research consortia and program management initiatives. The Chief Operating Officer & Senior VP, At Anser oversees the alignment of business development activities with the institute's core mission of public service. Jessica Albosta implements performance metrics that drive efficiency across the organization's diverse portfolio of federal projects. By fostering cross-functional collaboration, the Chief Operating Officer & Senior VP, At Anser ensures that the institute delivers high-quality analysis to the homeland security community. This leadership role involves managing the transition of research concepts into practical, government-led technology solutions. Through the oversight of operational growth, Albosta strengthens the organization's market position and its ability to address the evolving needs of the federal government.
    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 for defense-related programs. Neese manages the protection of sensitive data and the integrity of digital systems used in national security analysis. The Senior Cyber Staff Action Officer & Chief Information Officer, Dod oversees the implementation of advanced cyber defense protocols to mitigate risks in the federal environment. Derrick Neese coordinates with defense stakeholders to ensure that information technology solutions support mission-critical objectives. By architecting secure networks, the Senior Cyber Staff Action Officer & Chief Information Officer, Dod enables the seamless flow of intelligence and research data. This leadership role involves constant monitoring of the threat landscape to maintain operational resilience. Through the application of technical expertise, Neese ensures that the organization remains a trusted partner for the Department of Defense.

    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, directs the integration of information technology with strategic messaging for defense initiatives. Brooks manages the digital platforms that facilitate communication between the institute and the Department of Defense. The Chief Information Officer, Strategic Communications Lead, Office of The Dod oversees the development of tools that enhance the clarity and impact of research findings. Paul Brooks ensures that information systems are optimized for the dissemination of critical policy analysis. By aligning communication strategies with technical capabilities, the Chief Information Officer, Strategic Communications Lead, Office of The Dod supports the organization's mission to inform national security decisions. This leadership role involves managing complex stakeholder interactions and ensuring that technical outputs meet the specific needs of defense leadership. Through these efforts, Brooks strengthens the institute's influence within the national security community.
    Joshua Pruett, the Chief Information Officer, Dow Tactical Data Link SME at Anser, directs the technical implementation of tactical data link systems for defense applications. Pruett manages the integration of specialized communication technologies that support real-time data exchange in complex operational environments. The Chief Information Officer, Dow Tactical Data Link SME oversees the research and development of data link protocols that enhance situational awareness for the federal government. Joshua Pruett ensures that information technology architectures are robust enough to handle the demands of tactical operations. By providing subject matter expertise, the Chief Information Officer, Dow Tactical Data Link SME enables the organization to deliver cutting-edge technical solutions to the defense sector. This leadership role involves close coordination with engineering teams to refine data link performance. Through technical leadership, Pruett supports the institute's commitment to advancing national security capabilities.

    Vanessa McCall - Chief People Officer

    Vanessa McCall, the Chief People Officer at Anser, directs the human capital strategy and organizational culture. McCall manages talent acquisition, professional development, and employee engagement programs that support the institute's mission. The Chief People Officer oversees the recruitment of top-tier researchers and analysts who possess the expertise required for national security and public policy work. Vanessa McCall implements policies that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, ensuring that the workforce remains a competitive advantage. By fostering a supportive environment, the Chief People Officer enables the staff to focus on delivering objective, high-impact research. This leadership role involves managing performance management systems and compensation structures that attract and retain industry leaders. Through the development of human capital, McCall ensures that the organization maintains the intellectual depth necessary to inform the decisions that shape the future of the nation.
    Susan Herlick, the Chief Legal Officer at Anser, directs the legal and compliance functions of the corporation. Herlick manages the regulatory landscape surrounding federal contracting, research consortia, and not-for-profit governance. The Chief Legal Officer oversees the protection of intellectual property and the mitigation of legal risks associated with national security analysis. Susan Herlick ensures that all organizational activities adhere to the strict ethical and legal standards required by the federal government. By providing counsel on complex contractual agreements, the Chief Legal Officer enables the institute to pursue innovative technology development collaborations. This leadership role involves managing relationships with external legal partners and government oversight agencies. Through the implementation of rigorous compliance programs, Herlick secures the integrity of the organization's operations, ensuring that the institute remains a trusted and reliable partner for the public policy and national security communities.

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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.