Steven Sund
Steven A. Sund is a nationally recognized security and crisis leadership executive, author, and educator with more than 35 years of experience leading complex law-enforcement operations, dignitary protection programs, major-event security, and critical-incident management. He served as Chief of Police and Assistant Chief of the United States Capitol Police and held senior command positions with the Metropolitan Police Department of the District of Columbia, including Commander of the elite Special Operations Division.
A recognized authority on National Special Security Events, Mr. Sund has contributed to the planning of 37 NSSEs, including five presidential inaugurations. Throughout his career, he has helped protect every living U.S. president, visiting heads of state, and the Pope, while overseeing specialized capabilities involving tactical response, dignitary protection, explosive ordnance disposal, civil-disturbance management, and major-event operations. His experience includes security leadership or operational support during significant national crises, including the September 11 terrorist attacks, the 2013 Washington Navy Yard shooting, and the 2017 attack on Members of Congress in Alexandria, Virginia.
As Chief of the United States Capitol Police, Mr. Sund was responsible for protecting the Legislative Branch, Members of Congress, staff, visitors, and the U.S. Capitol complex. His leadership in coordinating the January 6, 2021, emergency response was recognized with the Congressional Gold Medal. He has also directed or supported security operations for high-profile sports, entertainment, government, and international events, including the 2015 Papal Visit, the 77th Tony Awards, the 2025 U.S.-Saudi Investment Forum, and preparations supporting the FIFA 2026 soccer tournaments in the United States.
Mr. Sund teaches Emergency Management and Crisis Communications at The George Washington University, bringing practical command-level experience to the study of crisis leadership, interagency coordination, preparedness, and risk-based decision-making. He also serves as principal advisor at SOTERIENT, where he advises public- and private-sector clients on security strategy, emergency preparedness, risk management, and complex-event operations. A best-selling author and frequent national and international media commentator, he offers students and professional audiences an executive-level perspective on protecting people and institutions in high-risk, high-consequence environments.