SPACE SYMPOSIUM SPEAKERS

Dr. Timothy Persons

Partner
PwC

Dr. Tim Persons is a Principal and Digital Engineering Leader at PwC, where he directs an interdisciplinary team in crafting digital/AI, quantum, and emerging technology solutions that redefine possibilities across industries (i.e., strategy, design, scaled delivery, and governance). His work navigates the intricacies of innovation, delivering strategic clarity, rapid innovation, and risk management frameworks that enable organizations to excel in digital transformation while fostering trust with stakeholders.

With a career spanning over 30 years in digital innovation, Dr. Persons has both shipped digital product and shaped technology strategy and policy at the highest levels. His insights drive the adoption of transformative technologies to meet both organizational goals and societal demands. Before joining PwC, he served as Chief Scientist at the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO), where he founded the Science, Technology Assessment, and Analytics team and the Digital Innovation Lab, establishing rigorous oversight, evidence-based advising, and forward-thinking policies for critical technology sectors resulting in dozens of congressional testimonies and updates to or creation of national statutes. His prior roles include significant quantum, AI, and cybersecurity contributions in the national security community, where he delivered game-changing solutions and capabilities to senior government leaders and programs.

Dr. Persons earned a Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering and an M.Sc. in Computer Science from Wake Forest University, as well as an M.Sc. in Nuclear Physics from Emory University. His perspective is informed by a lifetime membership in the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR), a Fellowship with the National Academy of Public Administration (NAPA), and leadership as a committee co-chair for the U.S. National Academy of Medicine (NAM), a Senior Member of the Institute for Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), and a Council Member with other national leaders of a U.S. National Academies’ Roundtable. He is also a member of the Cosmos Club, a Member of the American Institute for Aerospace and Astronautics (AIAA), a Commissioner for the Arthur S. Flemming Awards, a Member of the Business at OECD Innovation and Technology Committee, and serves on boards for universities, and nonprofits. His work has earned recognition through national awards such as the Arthur S. Flemming Award, the Fed100 Award, a Director of National Intelligence S&T Fellowship, and the U.S. Comptroller General Award.

Related Sessions

Space Finance & Investment Track

Tuesday, April 14, 2026

8:30 am - 4:30 pm

Track: