Bryan Dill-Russell is the Emerging Capabilities Manager for the Global SOF Foundation. In this role, he connects commercial innovation with the operational needs of U.S. and partner-nation Special Operations Forces. He leads Global SOF capability-scouting efforts, Accelerator Alley, the SOF Solutions Stage, and demonstration programs, helping identify, assess, and showcase dual-use technologies with potential to deliver operational advantage.
Bryan works closely with technology companies, venture capital firms, private-equity investors, and government stakeholders to help promising capabilities navigate the path from early-stage innovation to relevant, scalable solutions for the special-operations community. His work focuses on strengthening the connection between emerging technology ecosystems and the requirements of national-security and SOF end users.
Before joining GSOF, Bryan served for more than 25 years as an officer in the New Zealand Defence Force, including 15 years in New Zealand Special Operations. His career included command, operational, capability-development, and liaison appointments across New Zealand Special Operations Command, the New Zealand Army, and U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM). He completed multiple operational tours to Afghanistan.
Bryan holds a Bachelor’s degree in Defence Studies from Massey University. He lives in Tampa, Florida, where he enjoys spending time with his two children, hunting, paddle boarding, and laser engraving.