Contributions By Members of Business Executives for National Security

As President and CEO of Business Executives for National Security (BENS) I have interacted with some of America’s most innovative and entrepreneurial business leaders. These are individuals with diverse skillsets and experiences who are united in their belief that the private sector can play a meaningful role in ensuring our national security, and supporting our government partners. Today, as we reflect on the fourteenth anniversary of the September 11^th terror attacks, some of these dedicated members have offered to share their perspectives on how the events of that day have impacted them and their industry.

These accounts are uniquely personal and collectively enlightening. They offer examples of individual resilience, provide a clear-eyed analysis of the challenges that remain in front of us, and explore the private sector’s role in helping to ensure our security going forward. Historically, the private sector has been fundamental in enabling our national security, as a strong economy has allowed the United States to project its influence and secure its interests globally. Challenges such as cyber, cyber espionage, coercive economic policies, and acts of terrorism directly impact our private sector to the detriment of our national security. Often, the private sector is not only the primary target of these threats, but it may also be the first line of defense against them. Accordingly, the private sector can no longer remain simply an enabling partner, but must be a full participant in helping to ensure our national security.