STEVEN M. TEPP
Vienna,VA
Summary
Executive leader with more than 25 years of experience helping governments, technology companies, startups, and industry organizations navigate transformational technological change. Recognized authority on artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure, intellectual property, innovation policy, and international technology governance. Brings an uncommon combination of executive leadership, startup operating experience, congressional service, Executive Branch leadership, and international diplomacy. Trusted advisor to CEOs, founders, policymakers, and global stakeholders, translating complex technological, legal, and geopolitical developments into practical business and governance strategies. Known for building consensus among diverse stakeholders while advancing innovation, managing regulatory risk, and shaping policy frameworks that endure.
Overview
33
33
years of professional experience
Work History
Founder & Chief Executive Officer
SENTINEL WORLDWIDE
01.2013 - Current
- Founded a strategic advisory firm helping technology companies, innovators, investors, and trade associations navigate AI, digital infrastructure, cybersecurity, intellectual property, and international technology policy.
- Advise CEOs, founders, and executive leadership teams on governance strategies supporting innovation, product deployment, and long-term business growth.
- Translate rapidly evolving legal, regulatory, geopolitical, and technology developments into strategic recommendations for executive decision-making.
- Design engagement strategies spanning Congress, federal agencies, international governments, industry organizations, and strategic partners.
- Bridge technical, legal, business, and policy perspectives to help organizations address emerging technology challenges.
Co-Founder & President
RIGHTSCLICK, INC.
01.2022 - Current
- Co-founded an AI-enabled technology company developing infrastructure supporting trusted digital content ecosystems.
- Lead company strategy spanning product development, commercialization, strategic partnerships, legal, and public policy.
- Collaborate across engineering, product, legal, and business functions to align technology development with evolving governance requirements.
- Engage policymakers, creators, and technology leaders on AI, digital trust, copyright, and content authentication.
Chief Intellectual Property Counsel
U.S. CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
01.2010 - 01.2013
- Senior executive responsible for domestic and international innovation policy.
- Directed a $3 million advocacy initiative supported by a coalition of more than 400 organizations.
- Developed legislative and regulatory strategy before Congress, Executive Branch agencies, and foreign governments.
- Drafted and coordinated industry consensus comments on major regulatory proceedings.
- Advised executive leadership on technology policy, innovation, and global competitiveness.
Senior Counsel for Policy & International Affairs
U.S. COPYRIGHT OFFICE
01.1999 - 01.2010
- Senior federal official responsible for legislative affairs, international negotiations, and technology policy.
- Led U.S. participation in international negotiations through WIPO, WTO, and bilateral and multilateral trade agreements.
- Drafted precedent-setting legislation, rulemakings, and government policy reports governing emerging digital technologies.
- Directed congressional engagement and coordinated technology policy across federal agencies and international governments.
- Held a U.S. Secret clearance.
Staff Attorney to Chairman Orrin Hatch
UNITED STATES SENATE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE
01.1994 - 01.1997
- Managed legislative strategy for major technology and intellectual property initiatives.
- Drafted legislation, negotiated bipartisan policy solutions, and coordinated with the White House, Executive Branch agencies, and industry stakeholders.
Education
Juris Doctor -
American University Washington College of Law
1994
Bachelor of Arts - Political Science
Colgate University
1991
Skills
- Artificial Intelligence Governance
- Emerging Technology Strategy
- Executive Advisory
- Global Public Policy
- Technology Regulation
- Product & Policy Strategy
- International Negotiations
- Government Relations
- Regulatory Strategy
- Cross-Functional Leadership
- Strategic Partnerships
- Executive Communications
THOUGHT LEADERSHIP
- Congressional Witness
- Law Professor
- Speaker
- Author
- Professional Lecturer in Law:
- George Washington University Law School
- Georgetown University Law Center
- George Mason University School of Law
- Selected work includes:
- Solving Copyright and AI
- ABA Panel: CMI and AI
- DMCA Rulemakings (2003 & 2006)
- DMCA Section 104 Report
- Frequent presentations on AI governance, innovation policy, copyright, and international technology regulation
SELECTED EXECUTIVE IMPACT
- Technology Governance: More than 25 years shaping U.S. and international governance for emerging technologies across Congress, federal agencies, industry, and international organizations.
- Executive Leadership: Founder and CEO of a strategic advisory firm and co-founder of an AI-enabled technology company, leading strategy across policy, product, commercialization, and partnerships.
- Global Engagement: Represented the United States in negotiations involving more than 40 countries through bilateral and multilateral forums.
- Coalition Leadership: Directed a $3 million national advocacy initiative and built a coalition of more than 400 organizations supporting major technology policy initiatives.
- Thought Leadership: Congressional witness, law professor, and author of influential publications on AI governance, technology policy, and digital innovation.
Timeline
Co-Founder & President
RIGHTSCLICK, INC.
01.2022 - Current
Founder & Chief Executive Officer
SENTINEL WORLDWIDE
01.2013 - Current
Chief Intellectual Property Counsel
U.S. CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
01.2010 - 01.2013
Senior Counsel for Policy & International Affairs
U.S. COPYRIGHT OFFICE
01.1999 - 01.2010
Staff Attorney to Chairman Orrin Hatch
UNITED STATES SENATE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE
01.1994 - 01.1997
Juris Doctor -
American University Washington College of Law
Bachelor of Arts - Political Science
Colgate University