Whitefish Security Summit Launches to Convene Intelligence and Defense Leaders on Global Security Risks

Leadership team includes retired CIA Special Activities Center officer and retired Navy SEAL commander / DEVGRU

WHITEFISH, MT | February 10, 2026 — Organizers of the Montana Intelligence Summit announced today a partnership with the Lobo Institute to launch the Whitefish Security Summit (WSS), a new forum that will bring senior intelligence, defense, and policy leaders to Montana to discuss emerging global security risks.

The summit, founded by Jeffrey Caruso and developed with Lobo Institute co-founders Michael “Mick” Mulroy and Eric “Olly” Oehlerich, will convene experts from the intelligence community, special operations forces, diplomacy, economics, and journalism. Discussions will address issues ranging from geopolitical conflict and cyber threats to the rapid rise of autonomous and advanced military technologies.

At a time of increasing global instability, organizers say the goal is to create a setting that supports frank, cross-sector dialogue outside traditional Washington policy circles.

“Complex security challenges demand perspectives from across government and society,” said Mulroy and Oehlerich. “We want to foster serious conversations that connect operational experience with broader policy and public understanding.”

The rebranded summit will follow the April 2–3, 2026 Montana Intelligence Summit and is intended to become a recurring, invitation-focused gathering. By drawing inspiration from international forums such as the Aspen Security Forum and the Munich Security Conference, WSS aims to establish a new center for security dialogue in the American West.

“This partnership enables us to scale the summit into a lasting platform for global engagement,” said Caruso. “We’re building a forum that connects Montana to conversations shaping international security.”

About the Principals

Jeffrey Caruso, Founder — A veteran cyber warfare researcher and author of Inside Cyber Warfare, Caruso has briefed the CIA, DIA, FBI, and the Chief of Naval Operations. He is a veteran of the U.S. Coast Guard and the founder of the Montana Intelligence Summit.

Eric “Olly” Oehlerich, Lobo Institute — A retired Navy SEAL officer and former Commanding Officer of DEVGRU (Squadron 2), Oehlerich focuses on advanced research and development and the integration of high-fidelity sensor technologies for national security applications.

Mick Mulroy, Lobo Institute — A former Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for the Middle East and retired CIA paramilitary operations officer, Mulroy is a retired U.S. Marine and a national security analyst for ABC News.

About the Whitefish Security Summit

The Whitefish Security Summit (WSS) is an invitation-focused forum that fosters collaboration between senior leaders in government, the military, intelligence, industry, and academia. Through strictly limited attendance and off-the-record discussion, WSS provides a secure environment for addressing complex global threats and advancing practical solutions.

About the Lobo Institute

The Lobo Institute is a national security–focused organization dedicated to strengthening collaboration between military, intelligence, and policy communities. Founded by experienced special operations and intelligence professionals, the Institute develops programs, partnerships, and public engagement initiatives aimed at improving strategic understanding and operational effectiveness in an evolving global security environment.