Michele R. Weslander Quaid is an author, keynote speaker, consultant, educator, and certified professional coach specializing in executive leadership and success coaching.

Before founding her company, Sunesis Nexus, in 2015, Michele served as Google Inc.’s Chief Technology Officer for Public Sector, working with partners and clients worldwide.

Following the terrorist attacks of 11 September 2001, Michele was recruited into public service to lead change, innovation, and organizational transformation and became one of the youngest people ever sworn in as a senior executive in the US government. She led the cultural and technical integration of the national security community, establishing and serving in senior leadership positions in the Department of Defense and Intelligence Community, inspiring a shared vision and affecting positive change. Michele was the first deputy Chief Information Officer for the Director of National Intelligence. Her support of the troops at home and abroad earned her the call sign “Warrior Goddess.”

Michele has received prestigious honors and awards, including the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency Meritorious Civilian Service Medal. Michele was named one of “DC’s Top 50 Women in Tech” by FedScoop, in the “Power 100” list of influencers by Washington Life, and one of “The 7 Most Powerful Women to Watch” by Entrepreneur Magazine.

She earned a BS in Physics and Engineering Science with honors from Seattle Pacific University and an MS in Optics from the University of Rochester. She is a graduate of Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government program for Senior Managers in Government and a Fellow of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff CAPSTONE program.

Michele is a Certified Professional Coach (CPC), Energy Leadership Index Master Practitioner (ELI-MP), and a professional member of the National Speakers Association.