Sheetal Patel is a former senior executive at the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) who now advises organizations on geopolitical risk, counterintelligence risk management, and emerging technologies.

During her 28-year career at the CIA, she was Assistant Director for the Transnational and Technology Mission Center, where she focused on advancing U.S. strategic advantage in critical technologies, including artificial intelligence, quantum computing, biotechnology, and next-generation telecommunications, while also building stronger partnerships with the private sector.  She also served as Assistant Director for Counterintelligence, where she led global efforts to protect U.S. intelligence personnel, operations, and technology from foreign adversaries and insider threats.  

She held a range of other senior leadership roles, including Deputy Chief of Station in South Asia, Director at the White House National Security Council, Chief of Analysis for Counterintelligence, and Executive Assistant to two CIA Directors.

Sheetal currently serves as a Senior Advisor at Steptoe LLP, a Venture Partner at New North Ventures, and an independent board member for Catalyst Operations and Analytics and NtelSec, Inc. She also advises clients through her firm, Shadowline Consulting.

She has extensive experience briefing senior U.S. policymakers, including the White House and Congress, as well as foreign partners and industry leaders. She is a regular speaker and panelist, known for translating complex national security and technology issues into clear, practical insights.

She is a recipient of the Presidential Rank Award and multiple CIA honors. She holds an M.A. from George Washington University and a B.A. from Boston University.