The World Affairs Council of Charlotte is pleased to host an exclusive private dinner with General (Ret.) Paul M. Nakasone on March 12th, 2026, offering a rare opportunity for 24 guests only to engage in an intimate, off-the-record conversation with one of the nation’s foremost leaders in cybersecurity and national defense.

From 2018 to 2024, General Nakasone simultaneously led U.S. Cyber Command and the National Security Agency, overseeing America’s cyber defense and intelligence operations during a period of escalating global cyber threats. With more than three decades of military service, including combat deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, his career bridges traditional military leadership, intelligence, and the rapidly evolving cyber domain. Now serving as Founding Director of Vanderbilt University’s Institute of National Security, he continues to shape national dialogue on cybersecurity, emerging technologies, and global security challenges.

This private dinner is designed for candid discussion and meaningful exchange, providing attendees direct access to General Nakasone’s insights on the cyber threats shaping today’s global security environment.

DIPLOMAT SPONSOR
Kathryn and Luke Kissam

 

 

WACC Private Dinner Sponsorship and Underwriting Information – DOWNLOAD LINK

Program Information: 

Date: Thursday,  March 12th, 2025
Check-In & Networking: 6:00 – 6:30 PM
Dinner & Discussion: 6:30 – 8:30 PM
Location: Hilton Charlotte Uptown (222 E. Third St., Charlotte, NC 28202)
Cost: $160 (WACC Member Rate) | $180 (Non-Member Rate)
*Includes pre-dinner wine, salad, entrée, dessert, wine during dinner, and coffee service

  • For non-online payments, please call 704-687-7762
  • Mail your check to (World Affairs Council of Charlotte, 9201 University City Blvd., CHHS 227, Charlotte, NC 28223)

Registration is closed, but please email info@worldaffairscharlotte.org if you’d like to be added to the waiting list. 

 

 

 

Biography: 

General Paul M. Nakasone, a retired U.S. Army four-star general, serves as the Founding Director of Vanderbilt University’s Institute of National Security. From 2018 to 2024, General Nakasone led U.S. Cyber Command and the National Security Agency, overseeing national cyber defense and global signals intelligence operations. A career military leader with more than three decades of experience, he has commanded at all levels, with deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, and has held key intelligence and joint staff roles.

A recognized authority on cyber operations and national security, General Nakasone continues to advance dialogue and research on emerging global security challenges, inspiring innovation and leadership in this critical field.