Larysa Lacko is the Director of National Security at Blackbird AI, specializing in the convergence of geopolitics and technology, with a focus on how adversarial states leverage digital information tools to shape and influence national security outcomes.

With over a decade of experience spanning multilateral and national government settings at NATO HQ and in the Canadian government, Larysa has operated within both civilian and military contexts at the intersection of strategic communications, data-driven insights, and public policy.

Adept at navigating complex political landscapes, Larysa was instrumental in building consensus and establishing NATO’s strategic approach to countering state-sponsored influence operations. Previously Head of Information Environment Assessment at NATO HQ, she oversaw production and delivery of assessments to inform senior decision-making and support operational and defence policy planning efforts.

Her experience includes spearheading NATO’s engagement in several multilateral counter-disinformation efforts, including with the European Union and the G7. She regularly trained Alliance practitioners as a lecturer at the NATO School in Oberammergau.

Larysa holds a bilingual Master of Public and International Affairs from York University and a BA in Translation Studies from Concordia University.