Admiral William Fallon

Four-star Admiral William “Fox” Fallon, the first Navy officer to head US Central Command, was called “one of the best strategic thinkers in uniform” by former Secretary of Defense Robert Gates.

Adm. Fallon led US and Allied forces in eight separate commands at the highest levels of American government before retiring after 41 years of leadership. His advocacy of diplomatic and economic engagement as the preferred approach to resolving international disputes was the hallmark of his distinguished service.

As Commander of US Central Command from 2007 to 2008, Admiral Fallon led US military forces in the Middle East, Central Asia, and Africa and was instrumental in the turnaround of the ground situation in Iraq. He promoted active communication between governments while in command of the Asia-Pacific and Middle East regions. During his tenure as Commander of the US Pacific Command, he promoted stronger military-to-military relations between the US and China.

He gained worldwide experience in international security, political, and commercial affairs that he applies to his current role as chairman of CounterTack, Inc., a cybersecurity company. His military experience helped shape his understanding of the rising need for cybersecurity to protect sensitive communications and critical assets, and reinforced his commitment to ensuring an active response to cyber threats.

Adm. Fallon operates his own consulting and advisory business, William J. Fallon & Associates, LLC and is a partner at TilwellPetroleum, LLC. He is a distinguished Fellow at the Center for Naval Analyses, a member of the U.S. Secretary of Defense Science Board, and sits on the board of cyber security startup Cylance, as well as the American Security Project, a bipartisan public policy initiative dedicated to fostering knowledge about national security and foreign policy issues. He recently joined the ownership and management team of SM&A, an Irvine, CA based consulting firm.

Educated at Villanova University, the US Naval War College, and National War College, Admiral Fallon also holds his MA in International Studies from Old Dominion University. He spent a year as a Robert Wilhelm Fellow at the Mass. Institute of Technology Center for International Studies and serves as chair of the center’s advisory board. A frequent lecturer at universities, corporations, and symposia worldwide, Adm. Fallon champions initiatives in energy, cyber security, global health, and leadership by example.