Speaker - Mr Pedro M. Allende

Mr Pedro M. Allende

Under Secretary for Science and Technology
Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
United States of America

Biography

Pedro M. Allende joined the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in December 2025 as the Under Secretary for Science and Technology. In this role, he leads a multidisciplinary team delivering innovative scientific solutions, serves as the Secretary's science advisor, and oversees the department's primary research and development arm.

Previously, Mr. Allende served as the Florida Secretary of Management Services. There, he directed the Florida Digital Service and managed enterprise procurement, state telecommunications (including fiber and law enforcement radio networks), the state facilities pool, the vehicle fleet, employee health and retirement plans, and human resources policy. He also oversaw the state's Chief Information, Chief Information Security, and Chief Data Officers.

During the first administration of President Donald Trump, Mr. Allende held several positions within the U.S. Departments of Homeland Security, Energy, and Labor.

Before his government career, he worked at an international law firm handling high-stakes litigation, cross-border disputes, and co-founding the firm's data privacy and cybersecurity practice. He holds degrees in law, decision and information science, and economics from the University of Florida.