Karen Fray brings a decade of experience developing pipelines for new, diverse, and inclusive talent initiatives in national security.

The National Security Innovation Network (NSIN) is pleased to welcome Karen Fray as the National Service Portfolio Director. In this role, Fray is responsible for providing flexible pathways to official service within the Department of Defense (DoD), and for creating new opportunities for national service that account for generational and cultural differences between the military, academic, and venture communities.

A key objective of the National Service Portfolio is to engage underrepresented groups - especially women and minorities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields - to consider national service careers within the DoD.

“The diversity of our nation’s people, ideas, and experiences is our greatest strength. We are thrilled to have Karen on our team to take actionable measures for inclusion within the DoD,” said Dr. Greg Bernard, Acting Director at NSIN.

Fray brings over a decade of experience in developing military talent to her leadership role at NSIN. Previously, she worked for the Advanced Information Systems Group (AISG) Inc. where she developed diverse talent, led education training, and supported program contracts for Military Sealift Command (MSC). She also served as president of Central Florida’s Women in Defense (WID) chapter.

“I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to lead a visionary team whose sole responsibility is to tackle national security problems with innovation,” said Fray. “The programs we have will create new opportunities for national service for those who might not otherwise be inclined to government career opportunities.”

Fray also sits on the National Defense Industrial Association (NDIA)’s Interservice/Industry Training, Simulation, and Education Conference (I/ITSEC) training subcommittee, where she creates effective training solutions through innovative concepts, methods, and technologies.

“Karen has helped develop exceptional defense innovation talent in Florida and I am excited to see her continue to expand the network of national security problem solvers at the national level,” added Bev Seay, Senior Advisor and Acting Southeast Regional Director at NSIN. “The DoD will benefit from the new talent that Karen will engage in defense-related programs.”

“The National Service Portfolio has several opportunities over the next few weeks to learn more about our pathways to service. I invite you to learn more about our efforts. We have Hirethon information sessions on Nov. 17 and Nov. 19, and summer 2022 X-Force Fellowship applications are due Dec. 5,” Fray said.

Upcoming National Service Program Opportunities

NSIN National Service Portfolio

NSIN National Service Portfolio programs provide flexible pathways to service within the DoD that account for generational and cultural differences between the military, academic, and venture communities.

X-Force

X-Force is a paid summer fellowship for undergraduate and graduate students to collaborate on real-world problems with military partners. Fray will help expand the NSIN X-Force program to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and other underrepresented communities.

Technology and National Security Fellowship (TNSF)

TNSF is a congressionally-mandated NSIN program that provides opportunities for inclusion by placing fellows with technical experts at the Pentagon and in the offices of top-level Congressional policymakers. Fray will help remove barriers to inclusive opportunities such as experience in the military or Congress to work in these offices, which many other fellowships require.

Hirethon and Tech Squad

The NSIN Hirethon program offers DoD partners access to job candidates with the right talent they need to fill open positions. The Tech Squad program offers a part-time, flexible volunteer opportunity for those who want to learn more about the DoD but don’t have the time or ability to participate in a full-time fellowship. Fray will ensure that the Hirethon and Tech Squad programs offer job opportunities to a diverse set of STEM talent.

About NSIN

The National Security Innovation Network is a program of the U.S. Department of Defense that collaborates with major universities and the venture community to develop solutions that drive national security innovation. We operate three portfolios of programs and services: National Service, Collaboration, and Acceleration. Together, these portfolios form a pipeline of activities and solutions that accelerate the pace of defense innovation.