In this critical role, DiNanno will report directly to the Secretary of State to lead the interagency policy process on nonproliferation and manages global U.S. security policy, principally in the areas of nonproliferation, arms control, regional security and defense relations, and arms transfers and security assistance. DiNanno has resigned from NSRI to serve in this position.
"We congratulate Tom on his confirmation to this important position," said Maj. Gen., USAF (Ret.) Rick Evans, NSRI executive director. "His deep knowledge and long-time experience across strategic deterrence and intelligence will serve the Department of State and the Nation well."
During his tenure at NSRI, DiNanno led the NSRI team in designing, developing and executing world-class wargames, specifically focusing on the areas of strategic deterrence and escalation control should potential adversaries choose to cross the nuclear threshold. He also led the strategic resiliency portfolio in which NSRI explores how best to respond to strategic escalation and manage the consequences of strategic attacks against the U.S. homeland.
Among many leadership roles within the federal government, DiNanno served as a professional staff member on the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence and as deputy assistant secretary of state of the Arms Control, Verification and Compliance Bureau from 2018 to 2021. In his roles focusing on deterrence and disarmament, he led or managed several dialogues and treaty negotiations on behalf of the U.S. on pressing foreign policy matters, such as:
- New Start Treaty extension negotiations in Vienna
- Implementation and oversight of missile defense and space policy
- U.S. delegation to the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons in The Hague and the Conference on Disarmament in Geneva
DiNanno is one of two NSRI leaders nominated this year to serve in a senior national security position. Dr. Christopher Yeaw, former associate executive director, was nominated on September 3, 2025, to serve as Assistant Secretary of State for Arms Control, Nonproliferation, and Stability.
Learn more about NSRI’s research for strategic deterrence at nsri.nebraska.edu/nuclear.
