Melissa Ullom

Melissa Ullom is a national security expert with nearly two decades of experience advancing international security at the intersection of arms control, strategic deterrence, and emerging technologies. She previously served as Senior Advisor for Verification and Compliance in the Bureau of Arms Control and Nonproliferation at the U.S. Department of State, where she advised on the verification of nuclear, chemical, biological, and emerging technology treaties and commitments. She also led the production of the President's annual report to Congress on Adherence to and Compliance with Arms Control, Nonproliferation, and Disarmament Agreements and Commitments.

Throughout her career, Melissa has held leadership positions across government, academia, and the nonprofit sector. She opened the International Crisis Group’s first office in Beijing and the Vienna office of Open Nuclear Network. She also researched nonproliferation, treaty verification, sanctions, export controls, and regional security challenges at the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies. Melissa pioneered the technical and ethical application of open-source intelligence (OSINT) to weapons of mass destruction detection and monitoring.

Known for bridging technical analysis and strategic policy, Melissa brings deep expertise in international security, diplomacy, and complex problem-solving in high-stakes environments.