FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 11, 2026
Information Professionals Association Announces Dave Pitts as New President
June 11, 2026 –The Information Professionals Association (IPA) is pleased to announce the unanimous selection of Dave Pitts as President of the organization, ushering in a new era of leadership as the association continues to advance education, professional development, and collaboration across the fields of cognitive security, information operations, influence, and national security.
“Dave brings the right combination of passion and experience to IPA” said Chip Bircher, IPA Executive Director. “During our search, it was clear that his commitment to growing the association and advancing the field of cognitive security will help drive IPA into its next phase of growth.”
Dave Pitts has served as a member of the IPA Board of Directors and has been a key leader within the organization for several years. He brings more than four decades of experience in intelligence, special operations, strategic partnerships, emerging technology initiatives, and great power competition.
Dave’s distinguished national security career culminated in his service as a senior executive with two decades of services at CIA. He is also a veteran who served more than 20 years in U.S. Army Special Operations with a focus on intelligence, counterterrorism, and national security missions. He is a co-founder of The Cipher Brief’s Gray Zone Group and is a recognized thought leader on cognitive security, gray zone competition, and the evolving information and cognitive domains.
“I am honored to step into this role at a time when cognitive security is increasingly central to national security,” said Dave Pitts, IPA’s new President. “My priority is to work with our Board and membership to strengthen IPA’s leadership in this domain while expanding membership, partnerships, and professional development efforts. Together, we will build on a strong foundation to drive impact, foster collaboration, and ensure IPA’s continued strategic contributions. Join us – this is an important time to be an IPA member.”
As President, Dave will guide IPA’s efforts to engage and convene thought leaders, experts and experienced practitioners across this diverse community; strengthen collaboration among government, industry, and academia; expand professional development opportunities; and grow the IPA community to include more professionals from across this rapidly expanding community.
About the Information Professionals Association
The Information Professionals Association (IPA) is a nonprofit professional association dedicated to advancing the practice, study, and understanding of information-related disciplines, including information operations, cognitive security, influence, strategic communication, and national security. Through education, research, professional networking, and events, IPA brings together practitioners, academics, and leaders committed to understanding and shaping the modern information environment.
# # #
For additional information, please contact Paula Trimble at communications@information-professionals.org.