Frank Rose
President, Chevalier Strategic Advisors
Frank Rose is a distinguished U.S. expert in space policy, missile defense, arms control, and international security, with over 30 years of experience shaping U.S. defense and foreign policy. Throughout his career, he has become a key figure in negotiating strategic agreements between the U.S. and foreign governments, particularly in missile defense and space security. His work has earned him worldwide recognition for his diplomatic acumen and ability to foster critical relationships that enhance global security.
He is the founder and president of Chevalier Strategic Advisors, a consultancy firm based in Alexandria, Virginia. The firm specializes in providing strategic guidance to businesses operating in the defense sector, focusing on geopolitical strategy, political risk management, and defense industry transactions. Leveraging his decades of experience, Mr. Rose offers clients insights into navigating the complexities of global security and defense landscapes.
Founder and President of Chevalier Strategic Advisors
In 2024, Frank established Chevalier Strategic Advisors, a firm dedicated to assisting clients with high-level defense and national security issues. Under his leadership, the firm helps companies understand the political risks associated with international defense transactions and offers customized strategies to navigate these challenges. The firm’s expertise in global security policy allows clients to engage effectively with both U.S. and foreign governments while addressing potential risks and maximizing opportunities in defense-related sectors.
Mr. Rose's unique perspective, honed through years of government service, enables him to provide forward-thinking, practical advice that addresses the dynamic nature of international defense and security. As a trusted advisor, he is pivotal in guiding business decisions involving defense and national security interests.
Principal Deputy Administrator, National Nuclear Security Administration (2021-2024)
Before founding Chevalier Strategic Advisors, Frank Rose was Principal Deputy Administrator at the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) from 2021 to 2024. In this capacity, he co-led the agency’s efforts to oversee the nation’s nuclear security, including the maintenance and modernization of the U.S. nuclear arsenal, nuclear threat reduction, and enhancing space and cybersecurity. With a budget of $24 billion and 60,000 personnel, NNSA’s mission is critical to national security, and his leadership was vital in ensuring the agency’s continued success in addressing emerging global challenges.
His time at the NNSA allowed him to work closely with national laboratories like Lawrence Livermore, Los Alamos, and Sandia, ensuring the nation’s nuclear deterrent remained robust despite evolving security threats. Mr. Rose’s contributions to U.S. atomic security and defense policy were key in maintaining the country's leadership in nuclear nonproliferation and arms control efforts.
Senior Fellow at The Brookings Institution
From 2018 to 2021, Mr. Rose served as a Senior Fellow at The Brookings Institution, one of the leading think tanks in Washington, D.C. As Co-Director of the Center for Security, Strategy, and Technology, he focused on nuclear strategy, missile defense, and space security issues. During this period, he became a recognized thought leader on strategic stability, advising on U.S. defense policy and contributing to discussions on emerging security threats.
In addition to his work at Brookings, Mr. Rose was an Adjunct Assistant Professor at Georgetown University, where he taught a graduate-level course titled Outer Space, Strategic Technologies, and the Future of International Security. His course explored the intersection of outer space and other strategic technologies, such as cyber and missile defense, in shaping international security dynamics.
Key Government Roles: Missile Defense and Space Policy
Throughout his career, Frank Rose held several significant positions within the U.S. government that shaped national defense policy. From 2009 to 2014, he served as Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Space and Defense Policy, where he led U.S. policy on missile defense and space security. In this capacity, he was the chief negotiator for placing U.S. missile defense assets in foreign countries, negotiating key agreements with allies such as Poland, Romania, and Turkey. His diplomatic efforts were instrumental in strengthening NATO’s defense posture and advancing U.S. missile defense capabilities.
From 2014 to 2017, Mr. Rose was Assistant Secretary of State for Arms Control, Verification, and Compliance. In this role, he advised the U.S. Secretary of State on arms control strategy, played a critical role in negotiating arms reduction agreements, and supported global nonproliferation efforts. His work required frequent engagement with senior leaders worldwide, further solidifying his reputation as a skilled diplomat and negotiator.
Early Career and Congressional Service
Mr. Rose began his national security career working in the U.S. House of Representatives, serving on the Armed Services Committee and the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. He also held positions within the Office of the Secretary of Defense, providing strategic counsel on arms control and security policy. His early experiences in government laid the foundation for his later successes in both public service and private consulting.
Recognitions and Awards
Frank has received numerous accolades throughout his career for his service to U.S. national security. He was awarded the Department of Defense Exceptional Public Service Award, the State Department Superior Honor Award, and the Department of Energy/NNSA Distinguished Career Award in 2024. He also received Romania's Ordinul National Serviciul Credincios (Knight) for his role in negotiating missile defense basing agreements in 2014.
Education
Frank Rose of Boston, Massachusetts, holds a bachelor’s degree in history from American University (1994) and a master’s degree in war studies from King’s College London (1999). His education provided a strong foundation for his career in national security, complementing his hands-on experience in policy development and international diplomacy.
His career is a testament to his leadership in shaping U.S. defense and security policy. Today, as the president of Chevalier Strategic Advisors, he continues influencing global security by advising businesses on navigating the complexities of defense and international relations. His expertise remains invaluable as he helps clients understand and adapt to the ever-changing global security environment.
Portfolio 1: https://frankrosema.com/
Portfolio 2: https://frankroseboston.com/
