Jill Sanborn, Former FBI Executive Assistant Director of the National Security Branch, Joins Pallas Advisors

Jill Sanborn

Washington, DC — Pallas Advisors is pleased to announce that Jill Sanborn is joining the firm as a Principal, bringing nearly 24 years of national security and geopolitical risk leadership from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Sanborn brings deep expertise in enterprise risk management, geopolitical strategy, and crisis response to organizations navigating an increasingly complex global risk environment.

Sanborn retired from the FBI as Executive Assistant Director of the National Security Branch, where she led a global workforce of 8,000 and directed the bureau’s national security strategy, regularly briefing the National Security Council and testifying before Congress. Before that, she served as Assistant Director of the Counterterrorism Division, overseeing thousands of terrorism investigations and helping coordinate the federal response to major attacks. Earlier in her career, Sanborn held the role of Deputy Director of Law Enforcement at the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), led the Los Angeles Joint Terrorism Task Force during the 2015 San Bernardino attack, and commanded FBI field operations across Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota. Most recently, she built and led Roku’s Geopolitical Strategy and Risk program, applying her national security background to corporate risk management. 

“Jill has spent her career protecting organizations from the world’s most complex threats, from counterterrorism to geopolitical risk. Her ability to translate national security expertise into practical guidance for executives makes her an invaluable addition to Pallas,” said Sally Donnelly, Founding Partner at Pallas Advisors.

“Every organization today is operating in a more volatile risk environment, whether they recognize it or not,” said Sanborn. “I’m excited to join Pallas and help leaders build the resilience they need to navigate what’s ahead.” 

Sanborn has received the 2022 Meritorious Presidential Rank award, the CIA’s George H.W. Bush award, and a Department of Defense Joint Civilian Service Commendation award. She is a visiting fellow at George Mason University's National Security Institute and holds a bachelor's degree in finance from the University of Portland.