Clark Ritz, Ph.D.

Clark Ritz is an expert in cyberspace operations, the Cyber Mission Force, exercise analysis, and afloat communications. He has worked on a range of issues across the Navy’s man, train, and equip responsibilities. His work has supported Navy leaders from OPNAV, systems commands, and type commands, as well as other DOD organizations, including U.S. Space Force. This work spans from the operational, combatant-command level down to the tactical bits and bytes of individual data link messages. He has also worked with CNA’s Institute for Public Research in support of emergency managers planning for response to cyberattacks on operational technology.

Ritz has served three tours as a CNA field representative, most recently to Fleet Cyber Command. In previous CNA Field Program assignments, he was billeted to Commander, Operational Test and Evaluation Force and Navy Expeditionary Combat Command. He has observed several exercises aboard Navy ships and earned his Shellback certificate in 2023.

Ritz earned a Ph.D. and a Master of Arts in physics from the University of Wisconsin, Madison, and a Bachelor of Arts in physics from Carleton College.