Jen Hughes is a strategic communications specialist with experience at the intersection of technology, policy, and national security. She most recently served as Special Assistant to the Principal Deputy National Security Advisor at the White House, where she managed critical policy decisions and missions related to regional conflicts and national security. Prior to this role, Jen was a Special Assistant and Advisor at the Office of the National Cyber Director (ONCD), where she led the design and implementation of the technical report, "Back to the Building Blocks: A Path Toward Secure and Measurable Software."

Earlier in her career, Jen worked at Penta Group, a global stakeholder consulting firm, advising clients across industries including technology, automotive, and telecommunications. At Penta, she developed communications strategies to help clients advance their public policy goals in Washington, D.C. She also contributed to the Democratic National Committee during the 2020 presidential election cycle.

Jen graduated magna cum laude from Dickinson College in 2021 with a degree in political science and philosophy.