D-Wave Quantum Inc. announced the addition of Kirstjen Nielsen, former Secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, to its board of directors. Secretary Nielsen joins D-Wave as the company continues to drive increasing enterprise and government adoption of quantum technology. Secretary Nielsen is an internationally recognized expert and proven leader on security issues critical to the United States of America?s highest priorities, including enterprise risk, resiliency, cybersecurity, and emerging threats.

She is steeped in emerging technology policy, including artificial intelligence (AI) and quantum, and has advised technology companies ? from start-ups to Fortune 100 corporations. Her breadth of experience stands at the crossroads of policy, strategy, and operations, providing her with a unique perspective across complex enterprise environments, and influencing her position on the importance of stakeholder engagement.

Her extensive history of working with governments to utilize emerging technologies as a force multiplier is important for today?s quantum computing, as it has advanced to a stage of tackling real-world problems. Beyond her work with the Department of Homeland Security, Secretary Nielsen has held a variety of domestic and international government roles, including serving on the White House Homeland Security Council, helping create and run the then new TSA, and leading the World Economic Forum?s Global Agenda Council on Risk and Resilience. In addition, Secretary Nielsen is a Member of the State Bar of Texas, holds a B.S. in foreign service from Georgetown University and a J.D. from the University of Virginia?s School of Law, and has practiced transactional law.