PNNL

Daniel Herrera is an accomplished leader with extensive experience in managing large, multi-disciplinary teams and overseeing complex laboratory operations. Currently, he serves as the Disruptive Technology group leader at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, where he leads a 48-member team and is responsible for developing disruptive capabilities across multiple Laboratory operations.

Before his current role, Herrera was a national security specialist at PNNL, where he was instrumental in capturing $9 million in new business through strategic sponsor engagement and alignment of capabilities. He successfully managed a $3 million artificial intelligence-enabled communications portfolio, developed technology roadmaps, and authored strategic transition plans. 

Recently, Herrera was appointed co-director for the Institute of Cybersecurity and Resilient Infrastructure Studies, a collaboration between Georgia Tech and PNNL. The institute aims to secure the nation’s critical infrastructure through the development of technologies, testbeds, and talent. 

Herrera joined PNNL in 2023, following seven years in the United States Air Force. During his time in the Air Force, he served in various leadership roles of increasing scope and complexity. His accomplishments range from strategic leadership, such as authoring doctrine, acquisition strategies, and capability roadmaps. As a tactical leader, he has matured exquisite technology, led hundreds of Airmen, and rapidly turned ideas into fielded prototypes.  

• Deployment Planning
• Deployment Strategies
• Electronic Warfare
• Leadership Mentoring
• Strategy Building
• Strategy Execution

• MS in systems engineering, Airforce Institute of Technology
• BS in electronic engineering, Washington State University 

• Co-Director, Institute of Cybersecurity and Resilient Infrastructure Studies, Georgia Tech and PNNL