Washington, DC (January 17) — Today, the Center for European Policy Analysis (CEPA) is pleased to announce Catherine Sendak as its new Director for Transatlantic Defense and Security.
Sendak brings almost two decades of experience in the defense and security field, including postings in both the US Department of Defense and the US Congress. She is a recognized thought leader on issues related to Russia, NATO, European defense, and US national security. Sendak will lead CEPA’s core work to ensure the future of European security, cohere allies’ response to Russia’s war against Ukraine, and maintain the transatlantic alliance’s competitive edge.
“We are thrilled to have Katie join our team,” said CEPA President and CEO Dr. Alina Polyakova on Sendak’s arrival. “Her deep expertise and experience in national security and defense will be a valuable asset to CEPA’s work addressing the most pressing issues facing the alliance, especially as Russia’s aggression against Ukraine continues to undermine European and transatlantic security.”
Sendak said: “I am delighted to be joining CEPA at such a critical juncture in Western and European security and stability.” She added: “I look forward to collaborating with CEPA’s outstanding network to work on vital policy issues at the forefront of national and transatlantic challenges. I cannot think of a better opportunity to do that than as part of the amazing team at CEPA.”
Sendak joins CEPA from Business Executives for National Security, where she served as Vice President for Policy and Projects. Prior to that, she served as the Principal Director for Russia, Ukraine, and Eurasia in the Office of the Undersecretary of Defense for Policy at the Department of Defense, where she led efforts to address national security priorities, including great-power competition with Russia and stability and security throughout Eastern Europe. Preceding her time at the Department of Defense, she worked for more than a decade on Capitol Hill on both the House and Senate Armed Services Committees.
Sendak will be based in CEPA’s headquarters in Washington, DC. For media inquiries, please contact press@cepa.org.
