Monika Cooper | Independent Defense Strategy & Leadership Advisor

Strategic Defense Leadership & Organizational Innovation

Independent Advisor | Former RAND Senior Analyst

Transforming complex defense challenges into strategic opportunities through 15+ years of proven acquisition expertise, organizational transformation, and data-driven leadership across NATO, DoD, and global defense initiatives.

$2B+
Programs Led
28
NATO Nations
15+
Years Experience
500M€
Annual Contracts

A Career Defined by Strategic Impact

Bridging Strategy & Execution

As a DAWIA Level II certified program manager with Prince 2 credentials and a Doctorate in Business Administration focusing on strategic leadership, I bring a unique blend of academic rigor and operational excellence to every engagement.

My career spans critical roles across NATO headquarters, Defense Contract Management Agency, and most recently as Senior Analyst at RAND Corporation (through November 2025), where I shaped defense policy and acquisition strategies at the highest levels.

Now operating as an independent strategic advisor, I leverage this extensive background to help defense organizations navigate complex acquisition challenges, implement transformational change, and build resilient operational frameworks.

2025 - Present
Independent Strategic Advisor
Defense & Organizational Leadership
2022 - Nov 2025
Senior Analyst/Advisor
RAND Corporation
2019 - 2020
Program Manager, Integrator
Defense Contract Management Agency
2002 - 2014
Program Manager, Senior Contracting Officer
NATO and NC3A

Executive-Level Advisory Services

01

Defense Acquisition Excellence

Source selection authority and lifecycle management for ACAT I programs. Deep expertise in DoD PPBE processes, international procurement frameworks, and multi-national contract negotiations.

Track Record
$2+ billion in successful defense acquisitions across 28 NATO nations
02

Organizational Transformation

Strategic change management during critical transitions. Expert in workforce optimization, cultural transformation, and building resilient organizational structures that adapt to evolving threats.

Recent Achievement
Led NATO cost reduction initiative during global financial challenges
03

AI Risk & Technology Strategy

Advanced research and advisory on artificial intelligence governance, export controls, and military applications. Providing cutting-edge analysis on emerging technology frameworks for defense leadership.

Current Focus
AI policy frameworks for DoD and allied partners
04

Executive Development

Custom leadership programs combining narrative strategy with quantitative analysis. Specialized workshops for defense organizations on acquisition excellence and strategic communication.

Recognition
RAND Spotlight Award for organizational development

Research & Publications

From Words to Wins: Tracing Narrative Impact in Presidential Debates Over Three Decades

Journal of Leadership Studies (2025)

Groundbreaking analysis of how narrative strategies shape political outcomes, with implications for strategic communication in defense and organizational leadership.

Read Publication →

Current Research Portfolio

Active Areas of Investigation

• AI Risk Assessment & Military Integration
• Organizational Performance Optimization
• Strategic Leadership Effectiveness
• Supply Chain Resilience Analysis
• Change Management in Defense Organizations

Discuss Research →

Values-Driven Leadership

H

Humanitarian Impact

Active supporter of humanitarian initiatives including medical care and vocational training for war-affected communities in West Africa.

Spine Alliance →
S

Strategic Communication

Advocate for improved strategic communication around existential risks and sustainable economic models for long-term organizational resilience.

Learn More →
C

Community Building

Long-term supporter of community development initiatives that strengthen societal foundations and create lasting positive impact.

Habitat for Humanity →

Let's Shape Strategic Excellence Together

Whether you're navigating complex acquisition challenges, leading organizational transformation, or seeking expert analysis on emerging defense technologies, I bring proven expertise and strategic insight to advance your mission-critical objectives.

Location
Pittsburgh, PA • Washington D.C.
Availability
Accepting Select Engagements
Begin Strategic Consultation