Speaking

A trusted, on-the-record voice on the issues shaping national security and humanitarian policy.

Shawn VanDiver speaks regularly to Congress, national media, and audiences across government, business, and civil society, drawing on two decades of experience from the fleet to the coalition table.

Topics

Where Shawn adds the most value


Afghan Resettlement & Refugee Policy

The state of the U.S. refugee and Special Immigrant Visa pipeline, the promises made to wartime allies, and what accountability looks like across administrations.

Advocacy & Coalition Building

How a coalition of 250+ organizations was built and sustained, and what it takes to turn volunteer urgency into durable, government-facing institutions.

National Security & Civic Leadership

Bridging military service, government, and the private sector; building public trust; and leading civic institutions like the San Diego Convention Center.

Civic Engagement

Why showing up matters: turning frustration into organized, sustained participation in local and national civic life.

Shawn VanDiver speaking on a panel at the Military Reporters and Editors annual conference
Shawn VanDiver on a panel at the annual Military Reporters and Editors conference.

Track Record

Selected media & congressional appearances


Television & Radio

  • CNN — The Lead with Jake Tapper, Anderson Cooper 360, Laura Coates Live
  • PBS NewsHour
  • NPR Morning Edition
  • MSNBC / MS NOW
  • Scripps News
  • C-SPAN

Capitol Hill & Government

  • Panelist, U.S. House Committee on House Administration hearing on congressional casework in the Afghanistan withdrawal (2024)
  • Recurring congressional briefings and Hill Day delegations on Afghan resettlement and SIV reform

Full television, radio, and publication history available on request. See Press for selected coverage.

Formats

How to book Shawn


Keynotes & Panels

Conferences, veterans and national security convenings, and civic leadership forums.

Media & Commentary

Live and taped interviews on breaking developments in Afghan resettlement and refugee policy.

Briefings & Testimony

Congressional and agency briefings, background sessions for reporters, and closed-door policy discussions.

Start a Booking Request