Dr. Mark T. Esper

Mark T. Esper, PhD, has had a comprehensive career characterized by leadership in defense, technology innovation, and strategic policy development. His commitment to ethical leadership, coupled with his ability to spearhead significant initiatives, has defined his professional journey. He emphasizes the importance of values and ethics, aiming to ensure dignity and respect across all levels of operation.

Dr. Esper served as the 27th Secretary of Defense from July 2019 to November 2020, following his confirmation by the U.S. Senate with a 90-8 vote. In this role, he was pivotal in responding to global and domestic challenges, including managing the Department of Defense during the COVID-19 pandemic, civil unrest, and multiple international conflicts. His strategic focus included advancing the National Defense Strategy, which emphasized great power competition, and he was instrumental in the establishment of the U.S. Space Force and the Space Command. His tenure also saw the implementation of significant research and development in Artificial Intelligence, directed energy, robotics, and hypersonics.

Prior to his role as Secretary of Defense, Dr. Esper was the 23rd Secretary of the Army from November 2017 to June 2019, where he launched the U.S. Army Futures Command to modernize military capabilities. Before his government service, he held a senior executive position at Raytheon Technologies from 2010 to 2017, where he gained extensive experience in the defense industry.

Dr. Esper's memoir, "A Sacred Oath," has been acknowledged as a New York Times bestseller, offering insights into his experiences and challenges during a critical period in American history. He is also a recognized speaker, frequently appearing on major news outlets such as CNN, FOX, and Bloomberg to discuss national security and military strategy.

Currently, Dr. Esper is actively engaged in various policy and strategic roles. He holds the Distinguished Chair of the Modern War Institute at West Point and is a partner and chairman of the national security practice at Red Cell Partners. Additionally, he is on the boards of the Council on Foreign Relations, the Aspen Strategy Group, and the Atlantic Council. His recent public engagements have included appearances in notable forums such as "The 60 Minutes Interview," "Real Time with Bill Maher," and at the Reagan Library, where he discusses topics ranging from AI and security to the geopolitical landscape impacting global business.