David Sandison is Director of the Center for Global Security & Cooperation (CGSC) at Sandia National Laboratories. The CGSC develops systems engineering and technology solutions for U.S. government agencies responsible for Nonproliferation and Arms Control, Cooperative Threat Reduction, and International Security. For over 25 years the CGSC has worked with partners in more than 100 countries to reduce threats posed by the misuse of nuclear, chemical, biological, and radiological materials.

During his 27-year career at Sandia, Dr. Sandison has held numerous national security roles. As a Distinguished Member of the technical staff, he led several research and development efforts for missile defense. As a manager, Dr. Sandison oversaw his department’s delivery of the first space-qualified microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) to orbit the earth, and as a senior manager he commissioned Sandia’s Ion Beam Laboratory for nuclear science.

Prior to joining the CGSC, he spent a decade researching, developing, and delivering electronics and microelectronic components to the nuclear stockpile. During a 2013-2015 rotation as Sandia’s Chief of Staff, Dr. Sandison entered the national debate on the global microelectronics supply chain. He has since worked foreign influence issues with the Treasury Department, Department of Justice, Department of Defense, Department of Energy, and other federal agencies.

Most recently, Dr. Sandison was Director of Sandia’s iconic Center for Microsystems Engineering, Science, and Applications (MESA) and led the organization through the largest multiyear production run and tool revitalization effort in MESA’s history.