David Lapan

David (Dave) Lapan (LinkedIn) is an independent strategic communications and media consultant. He most recently served as senior advisor for enterprise communication to the Undersecretary for Benefits, Department of Veterans Affairs. He previously served as vice president of communications for the Bipartisan Policy Center, a DC-based public policy think tank. Before that, he was the deputy assistant secretary for Public Affairs and press secretary for the Department of Homeland Security.

Colonel Lapan (U.S. Marine Corps, retired) has more than 30 years of military service and 20 years of experience in communications and public affairs, including at the highest levels of the U.S. Department of Defense. As a Public Affairs Officer, he served as a spokesman and advisor for three Secretaries of Defense; the 18th Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; the Commander, International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) and U.S. Forces – Afghanistan; and for multinational forces during military operations in Haiti and Iraq.