Colin Pascal

Colin Pascal is the Executive Director of the Hogan Institute at Washington College, where he leads efforts to develop principled citizen leaders prepared to engage constructively across differences, serve the public good, and strengthen the institutions that sustain American democracy.

 

A retired U.S. Army lieutenant colonel, Colin served for more than twenty years in military intelligence, counterintelligence, and national security leadership positions. During his Army career, he commanded organizations responsible for some of the nation's most sensitive intelligence missions, directed worldwide counterintelligence operations, and advised senior military and civilian leaders on complex national security challenges. He spent more than four years deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan, serving as Assistant Army Attaché at the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad, Director of Counterintelligence and Human Intelligence for Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve, Director of Operations for the U.S. Army Foreign Counterintelligence Activity, and commander of the Special Service Activity and Operations Support Battalion, both headquartered at Fort Meade, Maryland. His military service emphasized leadership, organizational transformation, and close collaboration with Intelligence Community partners and integration with the Defense Intelligence Enterprise.

 

As the inaugural Executive Director of the Hogan Institute, Colin is leading the implementation of Governor Larry Hogan's vision for a nonpartisan center dedicated to preparing the next generation of civic leaders through leadership development, policy engagement, and constructive dialogue across political and ideological differences. The Institute draws inspiration from the public service of President George Washington and Governor Hogan, promoting leadership rooted in integrity, civility, and practical problem solving.

 

Colin is also a Senior Fellow at the Orion Policy Institute and an opinion columnist whose work regularly appears in The Baltimore Sun and The Hill. His writing explores American politics, democratic institutions, national security, civil discourse, and public leadership. He advocates for a style of politics that combines principled convictions with respect for opposing viewpoints, arguing that durable solutions to the nation's most pressing challenges require thoughtful leadership, institutional trust, and a willingness to work across differences. His commentary focuses on strengthening democratic institutions, promoting constructive political engagement, and advancing pragmatic approaches to national security and public policy.

 

In addition to his professional work, Colin remains active in civic and community leadership. He serves on the Vestry of St. Anne's Episcopal Church in Annapolis and has mentored emerging leaders through nonprofit and community organizations. Throughout his career, he has sought to combine public service, scholarship, and practical leadership in ways that strengthen institutions and develop the people who lead them.

 

Colin holds a Master of Public Administration from American University, a Master of Military Art and Science from the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College, and a Bachelor of Arts in History from St. Bonaventure University. He lives in Annapolis, Maryland, with his family.