Chen Named National Security Analysis Department Head at Johns Hopkins APL

The Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) in Laurel, Maryland, has named Yu-Han “Hugh” Chen as head of its National Security Analysis Department (NSAD), which provides integrated technical and operational analyses to help Laboratory and government leaders explore new concepts and capabilities, anticipate emerging threats, and inform national security decisions.

Chen, who previously served as NSAD’s chief analyst, brings to his new role more than two decades of leadership and analytical expertise spanning defense, intelligence, space, and related domains. He has led high-impact assessments and strategic analyses for the Department of War (DOW), Intelligence Community (IC), and Department of Energy (DOE), building multidisciplinary teams to address some of the nation’s most complex national security challenges.

Before joining APL earlier this year, Chen served as assistant director of national intelligence for requirements, cost, and effectiveness in the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI), where he led strategic portfolio analyses and directed assessments of major acquisition systems and architectures. He chaired the IC Capability Requirements Council, developed and implemented the Consolidated Intelligence Guidance with DOW, and evaluated investments in areas such as warfighter support, space resilience, and artificial intelligence.

Prior to his ODNI assignment, Chen held Senior Executive Service positions within DOW and DOE, directing analyses that informed multibillion-dollar investment decisions across a range of mission domains. His work included assessments of space systems; intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities; missile warning systems; and energy infrastructure and resilience. Chen began his federal service as an analyst and researcher at the Missile Defense Agency and in the DOW Office of Cost Analysis and Program Evaluation.

“The Laboratory has a proven track record of delivering trusted, data-driven analyses that benefit our sponsors, and Hugh’s career has focused on leading teams that deliver rigorous technical insights to shape consequential national security decisions,” said APL Director Dave Van Wie. “Hugh’s deep expertise across the national security community, along with his collaborative approach to complex problem-solving, will enhance our ability to make high-impact contributions.”

Chen holds a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Stanford University and a doctorate in climate physics and chemistry from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. His federal service has been recognized with multiple DOW Exceptional and Meritorious Civilian Service awards.