Jessie Ilkson is the Director for Government Affairs for General Atomics Aeronautical Systems. In her role, she leads engagement across the U.S. Government and with other stakeholders in support of the company’s international pursuits. Before joining General Atomics in 2018, Jessie served a Director for Pakistan in the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Policy where she was responsible for over $2 billion in security assistance and spearheaded DoD’s South Asia Policy Review. Prior to that, she served at the Department of State in Kabul, Afghanistan where she was responsible for overseeing the transition of U.S. detainee operations to the Afghan Government. She has also served in positions at the Defense Technology Security Administration and the Under Secretary of the Air Force – International Affairs. Ms. Ilkson holds a B.A. in International Affairs from George Washington University and lives in Arlington, VA.