About Speaker

Pedro M. Allende joined the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in December 2025 as the Under Secretary for Science and Technology. In this capacity, he leads a multidisciplinary team of experts focused on delivering innovative science and technology solutions to support DHS missions. He also serves as the science advisor to the Secretary and oversees the primary research and development arm of the department.
Before returning to DHS, Mr. Allende served as the Florida Secretary of Management Services. In that role, he led enterprise procurement, state telecommunications—including the fiber network and State Law Enforcement Radio Network (SLERS)—and the Florida Facilities pool, which includes the Governor’s Mansion and the State Capitol. His oversight also extended to the state vehicle fleet, the state health insurance plan, human resources policy, and the state retirement plan. Additionally, he directed the Florida Digital Service and oversaw the work of the State Chief Information Officer, Chief Information Security Officer, and Chief Data Officer.
Mr. Allende previously held various roles within the U.S. Departments of Homeland Security, Energy, and Labor during the first administration of President Donald Trump.
Before entering government service, Mr. Allende worked at an international law firm where he handled high-stakes litigation matters, cross-border disputes, and helped launch the firm’s data privacy and cybersecurity practice. He graduated from the University of Florida with degrees in law, decision and information science, and economics.