John Picarelli Ph.D
Director for Targeted Violence and Terrorism Prevention, National Security Council
2022, 2023, 2024
Dr. John T. Picarelli is the Director for Targeted Violence and Terrorism Prevention for the Counterterrorism Directorate of the National Security Council (NSC). In that role, Dr. Picarelli is responsible for leading the federal government’s efforts to prevent targeted violence and terrorism. He also co-chairs efforts addressing hate-based violence, antisemitism and related forms of bias and discrimination, and protections for houses of worship.
Prior to joining the NSC, Dr. Picarelli served as the Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary (DAS) for Counterterrorism and Threat Prevention and the Director of the Center for Prevention Programs and Partnerships (CP3) at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. As DAS, Dr. Picarelli supervised three teams—CP3, the Counter Unmanned Aerial Systems team and the Counterterrorism and Emerging Threats team. As CP3 Director, Dr. Picarelli oversaw five major initiatives driving the Department’s mission to prevent all forms of terrorism and targeted violence in America and was responsible for coordinating the prevention mission among a dozen offices and components of the Department.
Prior to joining DHS, Dr. Picarelli served two roles for the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) of the U.S. Department of Justice. As a Division Director, Dr. Picarelli oversaw research portfolios addressing violence and victimization, including violence against women, elder abuse, children exposed to violence, bias crimes and tribal justice issues. As the Program Manager for Transnational Issues, he built and ran an integrated research and evaluation program examining transnational organized crime, human trafficking and violent extremism.
Dr. Picarelli has published over two dozen journal articles and book chapters, and serves as an adjunct faculty member at George Washington University. He received his PhD in international relations from American University in 2007. He lives in Virginia with his wife and two children.
The Summit was more than empty words – it made clear that a solution-driven approach is the only way to fight hate. That’s why the working group activities, which are results driven are going to be critical in defeating violent extremism. The Summit brought together the best minds in government, private sector, academia, and civil society. Being surrounded by these experts sparked new ideas – some of which I’ve already implemented or have written about.
