John Tien

John Tien serves as a Distinguished Professor of the Practice at the Georgia Institute of Technology, holding dual appointments in the Sam Nunn School of International Affairs and the School of Cybersecurity and Privacy. He additionally maintains fellowships at the Georgia Tech Strategic Energy Institute, Georgia Tech Research Institute, and Harvard Kennedy School's Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs.

His academic foundation includes a B.S. in civil engineering from the United States Military Academy at West Point and an M.A. in philosophy, politics, and economics from Oxford University as a Rhodes Scholar.

Tien's expertise spans cybersecurity, critical infrastructure protection, and national security policy, informed by extensive government leadership experience including Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security. His work integrates military strategy, disaster response frameworks, and cross-border security systems with practical applications in energy infrastructure resilience and counterterrorism operations.

His distinguished recognitions include:

• DHS Distinguished Service Medal
• United States Coast Guard Distinguished Public Service Medal
• Bronze Star Medal
• Combat Action Badge
• Valorous Unit Award
• Rhodes Scholarship

Tien actively contributes to strategic initiatives through board memberships at Union Pacific Railroad and the Carter Presidential Center, while co-founding the Avalon Action Alliance to scale veteran healthcare solutions. He partners with Emory University's Goizueta Business School to advance veteran business education programs.