John Paul (JP) Parker is a mission-driven national security leader and the Founder and CEO of Escape Velocity, a firm dedicated to accelerating innovation at the intersection of government, technology, and national security. With a career spanning senior roles in the U.S. government and over a decade leading advanced R&D in industry, JP brings unparalleled expertise in space, cyber, intelligence, and defense innovation. Before founding Escape Velocity, JP launched the Intelligence Community’s premiere space intelligence and policy office and served as Special Advisor to the Vice President of the United States for Space, Cyber, and Intelligence. He was the founding Technical Director of the Intelligence Community’s cybersecurity center and played a pivotal role in the CIO’s acquisition oversight and source selection for the Intelligence Community’s adoption of cloud infrastructure. JP spent 14 years managing breakthrough research and development for DARPA, the world’s most innovative defense R&D organization. He also served as a Professional Staff Member on the House Armed Services Committee, shaping key legislation and policies at the heart of U.S. defense strategy. Today, through Escape Velocity, JP helps innovators and patriots navigate the national security landscape, bridging the gap between cutting-edge technology and mission impact. His work is guided by a singular focus: advancing the mission through bold, practical innovation.