An Interview with Scott Cleland

1. An Interview with Scott Cleland
By: Scott Cleland

2. An Interview with Scott Cleland
In his many professional roles, Scott Cleland maintains a commitment to credibility and integrity.
Mr. Cleland serves as the President of Precursor LLC, a consulting firm in McLean, Virginia, and
he formerly acted as a Senior Policy Advisor for the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C.
His many years of experience and success serve as a testament to his work ethic and intellectual
foresight in the consulting industry. I recently took advantage of the opportunity to interview Mr.
Cleland about some of his personal and professional experiences, and that interview is printed
below.

3. An Interview with Scott Cleland
Q. I understand that you are known as a precursor in your industry. Can you explain a little about
what this term means?
A. A research analyst can become a precursor through the anticipation of certain progressions and
developments before others notice a change. I have a history of discovering harmful behavior and
misrepresentation in different industries. Some examples of my track record as a precursor include
my foresight in predicting that Google would become the country’s most major threat to privacy and
in recognizing the most recent Internet 2.0 bubble as a privacy concern, as well.

4. An Interview with Scott Cleland
Q. In your experience at the U.S. Department of State, what were some of your specific duties?
A. I served as a Senior Policy Advisor to the U.S. federal government for three years, and my
biggest responsibility was briefing James Baker III, the U.S. Secretary of State at the time, before
each congressional hearing. I was granted the Superior Honor Award through the Department of
State during my time as an advisor there.

5. An Interview with Scott Cleland
Q. Lastly, what are some examples of your professional activities outside of Precursor?
A. While I am no longer an employee of the U.S. government, I maintain membership with the U.S.
Department of State Advisory Committee on International Communications and Information Policy,
and I also co-founded the Investorside Research Association.