Daniel Gerstein served as Under Secretary and Deputy Under Secretary in the Science & Technology Directorate, U.S. Department of Homeland Security.  Dr. Gerstein has extensive experience in the security and defense sectors in a variety of positions while serving as a Senior Executive Service (SES) government civilian, in uniform, and in industry. 

Dr. Gerstein began his career in the U.S. Army, serving on four continents while participating in combat, peacekeeping, humanitarian assistance, counterterrorism and homeland security. Following retirement from active duty, Dan joined L-3 Communications as Vice President for Homeland Security Services, where he led an organization providing security and defense solutions to U.S. and international customers.  

Before joining DHS, Dr. Gerstein was a political appointee in the Office of the Secretary of Defense (Policy) serving as Principal Director for Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD). Additionally, Dr. Gerstein led an initiative to develop a comprehensive biosurveillance system for the Department of Defense and led the Army’s most comprehensive restructuring since World War II. 

He has been awarded numerous foreign, military and civilian awards, including the Department of State’s Distinguished Service Award and the U.S. Army Soldiers Medal for Heroism. He is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations.