Admiral Mike Mullen, USN (Ret.) Former Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff

Mike Mullen is a retired United States Navy Admiral who served as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff from October 2007 through September 2011. As top military advisor to both Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama, Mike Mullen is widely respected as an “honest broker” by policymakers, members of Congress, and senior military officers. Mullen oversaw the end of the combat mission in Iraq and the development of a new military strategy for Afghanistan, while promoting international partnerships, new technologies, and new counter-terrorism tactics.

A 1968 graduate from the U.S. Naval Academy, Mullen sought challenging positions including command at every level to develop his leadership skills during his naval career. He rose to be chief of naval operations prior to assuming duties as Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff. Since retiring, Mullen has joined the boards of General Motors, Sprint and the Bloomberg Family Foundation. He also teaches at the Woodrow Wilson School of International and Public Affairs at Princeton University.