Member Spotlight: Nikki Rutman on the move in November 2025

For many intelligence professionals, we have been accustomed to operating behind the scenes, and while our insights have shaped decisions and operations, they have rarely been shared publicly.

Now, as more transition into private-sector and academic roles, intelligence professionals carry with them a unique responsibility: to step out of the shadows and share their knowledge and expertise across industry.

FBI AIA Board Member Nikki Rutman exemplifies this shift, and has a number of public speaking engagements she is fulfilling as part of her role at Sentinel and her wider presence in the private sector intelligence industry. While she may not have planned to fill November with speaking engagements, her calendar shows how intelligence professionals are stepping forward to educate and collaborate across organizations:

• November 4: “Leveraging Intelligence for Executive Security” — At the Arkansas Bankers Association Security Conference in Little Rock, Nikki will explore how intelligence methodologies can identify risks tied to an executive’s digital footprint. Register: https://www.arkbankers.org/ABA/ABA/Events/Security/2025/2025-ABA-Security-Conference.aspx

• November 13: “Securing Today's University in a Dynamic Threat Environment” — Moderating an ASIS Connects webinar, Maria Robson-Morrow is convening experts from the University of Michigan, Northeastern University, Saint Louis University, and Sentinel to discuss campus safety amid global and domestic tensions. ASIS: https://community.asisonline.org/home

• November 19: “Securing High-Stakes Public Events Under Pressure” — At the OSAC Annual Brief in Arlington, VA, Nikki is joining the Diplomatic Security Major Events panel featuring other leaders from FIFA and the NHL to discuss real-time protective intelligence for global events. Register: https://osac.zohobackstage.com/2025OSACAnnualBriefing#/

As former government intelligence professionals like Nikki bring their analytical rigor, threat awareness, and strategic thinking into the open, they play an essential role in strengthening public and private-sector preparedness. Many have spent years in environments that limited public engagement, and now, their voices and experience are needed more than ever.

At the FBI AIA, we’re proud to spotlight members who are redefining what it means to “move” forward after government service. If you’re out there sharing your expertise, let us know so we can celebrate and support your journey. And if you see Nikki at these events, make sure to say hi — she’s on the move in more ways than one.