Ms. Thompson has a distinguished career in international policy, national security, intelligence operations, and leader development. She is the CEO of DARC, an innovative company advancing cutting-edge solutions in cybersecurity, technology, and digital innovation. She has also served as U.S. Under Secretary of State, as well as the National Security Advisor to the Vice President.

Prior to government roles, Thompson led the McChrystal Group Leadership Institute. A proud military veteran, Thompson served for over 25 years in the U.S. Army, including combat tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. She also served as the National Security Advisor to the Chairman, House Homeland Security Committee, and the Chairman, House Foreign Affairs Committee. Most recently, Thompson was Vice President for International Programs at Northrop Grumman, a leader in the global aerospace and defense industry.

Thompson served as the Professor of Practice at Beacom College of Computer and Cyber Sciences at Dakota State University in her home state of South Dakota. She co-authored the book Achieving Victory in Iraq: Countering an Insurgency, is a Distinguished Fellow at the UK's Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) and is a board member for international, national, and state based boards.