WASHINGTON, Oct. 6 /PRNewswire/ -- The Cohen Group, a global strategic advisory firm led by former Secretary of Defense William S. Cohen, has announced the addition of Daniel P. Fata, former U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for European and NATO Policy, as Vice President.

'Dan brings a wealth of legislative and Pentagon experience to The Cohen Group,' Secretary Cohen said. 'His acknowledged expertise in European security policy, transatlantic defense relations, and global security issues will enhance our clients' efforts in a broad range of programs and markets.'

At the Pentagon, Mr. Fata served as a key advisor to both Secretaries of Defense Rumsfeld and Gates and was responsible for developing and executing American defense policy among the nations of Europe and Eurasia and among international organizations such as NATO, the European Union, and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe. During his tenure, Mr. Fata's efforts focused on strengthening bilateral relations with key European and Eurasian allies, developing initiatives for two NATO Summits, and managing and resolving issues involving Afghanistan, Russia, Georgia, the Black Sea, Kosovo, the Balkans, European missile defense, defense modernization and transformation, and U.S. European Command, among many others. He was also involved with the development of the administration's European-Eurasian energy policy and worked closely with NATO and regional partners on numerous energy security initiatives.

Before serving at the Department of Defense, Mr. Fata was Policy Director for National Security and Trade on the Senate Republican Policy Committee as part of the Senate Republican Leadership staff and as chief foreign policy advisor to its chairman, Senator Jon Kyl of Arizona. He was a vital link between Senate and House leadership, congressional committees, and the White House on issues such as the War on Terrorism, transatlantic defense relationships, nuclear non-proliferation, and intelligence reform. From 2001- 2003, he held a similar position on the House Republican Policy Committee, playing a key role to committee Chairman Christopher Cox of California. Prior to the working on Capitol Hill, Mr. Fata served in a variety of research and leadership positions at the American Enterprise Institute, the Council on Foreign Relations, the Balkan Institute, and the TechFoundation.

Mr. Fata also serves as a non-resident Transatlantic Fellow at the German Marshall Fund of the United States and as a member of the U.S. European Command Senior Advisory Group.

In 2003, Mr. Fata was decorated by the Lithuanian government for his efforts to assist Lithuania's accession to NATO. In 2006, he was awarded the Secretary of Defense's Medal for Outstanding Public Service. Mr. Fata earned a B.A. with Honors in Political Science from the University of Connecticut and a M.A. in International Relations from Boston University.