Focusing on identifying leaders in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and public-interest technology, Michael Brennan, Ph.D. helps organizations navigate critical talent needs. He draws on extensive cross-sector experience and a deep technical background in AI, privacy, and security.

Michael Brennan brings a unique balance of experience from philanthropy, government, and academia to his work. For over nine years, Michael served as a Senior Program Officer for Technology & Society at the Ford Foundation. In this role, he managed a global grantmaking portfolio focused on artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, public interest technology, and internet infrastructure. He also directed the foundation’s Technology Fellows program, hiring and coordinating the technology experts shaping the Foundation’s grantmaking strategies.

Prior to his work in philanthropy, Michael served as a Technologist for the Federal Trade Commission’s Division of Privacy and Identity Protection. There, he supported investigations into consumer privacy violations and provided deep technical expertise to educate staff on emerging privacy and security concerns. Michael also co-founded Drexel University’s Privacy Security and Automation Lab. His Ph.D. research focused on the intersection of privacy, security and AI.

Currently, Michael serves as a Director at the New Venture Fund, where he directs funds focused on cybersecurity threats targeting journalists, human rights defenders, and public interest groups. He is also the founder of Public Good Strategies, helping organizations develop and assess impactful public interest technology programs. He advises multiple philanthropic and private sector organizations including the ex/ante venture fund, the green screen network, and interalia.