Kishla Askins

Kishla Askins is a national security and health security expert with 30 years in public health, emergency preparedness, and disaster management. As COO of Polar Pangea, she develops global Arctic solutions. A Commissioner on Alexandria’s Environmental Policy Commission, she advances climate resilience. A retired military officer and former VA Deputy Assistant Secretary, she has shaped national policy through governance and expertise. Her doctoral research examines biosecurity risks from thawing permafrost. With deep expertise in science diplomacy, biosecurity, and crisis response, she is a leading voice on health, security, and policy in addressing global threats.