Merritt Ogle
Director of Strategy
Merritt Ogle is the Director of Strategy at Silicon Valley Defense Group (SVDG), where she plays a pivotal role in setting the organization’s strategic direction, driving key initiatives, and ensuring seamless operational alignment across all efforts. With a deep understanding of the intersection between defense, technology, and public policy, she provides leadership in bridging the gap between Silicon Valley innovation and national security needs.
Before joining SVDG, Merritt served as Associate Director of Strategy and Operations at WestExec Advisors, where she played a central role in delivering high-impact solutions for clients across the national security, defense, and technology sectors. Collaborating closely with senior leadership, Merritt ensured the seamless execution of strategic initiatives, aligning client needs with expert geopolitical analysis and innovative problem-solving approaches. Her efforts were critical in building strong relationships with public and private sector clients, consistently delivering tailored, actionable insights to help them navigate complex global security challenges.
Previously at Markon Solutions, Merritt advanced national security priorities as a Senior Associate, where she was a trusted advisor to defense and intelligence clients, guiding them through digital transformation initiatives. Her leadership in forging interagency collaborations and championing talent development positioned her as a key driver in enhancing national security capabilities through innovation and technology.
Beyond her current role at SVDG, Merritt continues to leverage her strategic expertise as the Director of Growth for #NatSecGirlSquad, where she spearheads coalition-building efforts to promote diverse and competent leadership within the national security community. She also serves as a Senior Advisor to Globally, where she cultivates networks to empower the next generation of foreign policy professionals.
Merritt’s portfolio includes managing impactful projects like the U.S.-China Futures Project, which seeks to develop a new cadre of U.S. experts on China, and the Emerging as a Global Leader Experience (EaGLE) program, which connects and accelerates the careers of emerging public service leaders. Recognized for her leadership, Merritt was named one of the 15 LGBTQIA+ New Voices by Out in National Security in 2021.
She holds dual degrees in Public Affairs and International Studies from The Ohio State University, where she graduated in 2017.
