Mary Monica Palmer

Mary Monica Palmer

Strategic Advisor, U.S. Advisory Board 

Mary Monica Palmer is the Founder and President of M2 Defense Strategies, a strategic advisory firm that accelerates the growth of emerging defense technology companies by connecting innovators with policymakers. Her work spans hypersonics, counter-UAS, and nuclear resilience, driving advocacy and adoption of critical capabilities that strengthen U.S. national security.

Previously, Palmer led government affairs at Epirus, a directed energy startup, and held senior advisory roles at the Pentagon and U.S. State Department. She began her career on Capitol Hill and holds a B.A. in Politics and International Affairs from Wake Forest University.