Joseph Sopcisak

Joseph "Joe" Sopcisak is a senior policy advisor in Holland & Knight's Washington, D.C., office and a member of the firm's Public Policy & Regulation Group. Mr. Sopcisak advises clients on national security matters, including issues focused upon defense innovation and dual-use technology, the defense industrial base, as well as military aviation supply chains, domestic manufacturing, U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) acquisitions and investment programs. 

During his time at the Pentagon, Mr. Sopcisak's technical background proved foundational to carrying through his mandates. His experience spans the entire technology readiness level (TRL)/manufacturing readiness level (MRL) spectrum, from research to development and prototyping to the fielding of systems and platforms. With more than a decade of experience leading complex, high-profile initiatives within the DOD and private industry, he synthesizes industrial base policy, advanced technology development and national security requirements to assist clients navigate a fluid landscape.

Drawing on his extensive experience in advanced science and technology (S&T), defense manufacturing and supply chains, federal budgeting and industrial base policy, Mr. Sopcisak delivers strategic counsel, tactical lobbying and business development capture advice to organizations where national security is a business imperative. His experience includes kinetic capabilities, castings and forgings, workforce development, microelectronics, critical minerals/materials, advanced manufacturing, energy storage and artificial intelligence (AI) enablement for the warfighter.

Additionally, Mr. Sopcisak's experience over the years while participating in interagency working groups has given him a whole-of-government perspective related to transportation, critical infrastructure (e.g., electric grid transmission and security), venture capital, government lending, financial programs/institutions and international affairs.

Prior to joining Holland & Knight, Mr. Sopcisak served in the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment as the Technical Director for Manufacturing Capability Expansion and Investment Prioritization (MCEIP), which oversees the Defense Production Act (DPA) Title I and Title III offices, as well as the Industrial Base Analysis and Sustainment (IBAS) office.

Before his time at the DOD, Mr. Sopcisak was a staff scientist at the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (JHUAPL), where he managed cutting-edge research portfolios focused on materials and processes critical to national defense. Prior to JHUAPL, he held several positions in private industry.