Ronald Kessler

Ronald Kessler is an investigative journalist and New York Times bestselling author known for his reporting on national security, intelligence agencies, and law enforcement in the United States. Kessler began his journalism career as a reporter and investigative writer for Worcester Telegram and Boston Herald before joining the Wall Street Journal as an investigative reporter. He later spent 15 years at the Washington Post, where his reporting exposed systemic issues in federal agencies and contributed to policy reforms. His investigative work on mismanagement in Washington-area hospitals and illegal fees charged to homebuyers earned him a George Polk Award for community service. He received a second Polk Award for national reporting for a series exposing corruption in the General Services Administration.

After his tenure at the Washington Post, Kessler authored 21 nonfiction books examining the FBI, CIA, U.S. Secret Service, and the White House. His book, "The FBI: Inside the World's Most Powerful Law Enforcement Agency," prompted investigations into the conduct of FBI Director William Sessions. Other works, including "Inside the CIA," "The Bureau," "The CIA at War," and "The Terrorist Watch: Inside the Desperate Race to Stop the Next Attack," have contributed to public understanding of intelligence and counterterrorism operations. "In the President's Secret Service" and "The First Family Detail: Secret Service Agents Reveal the Hidden Lives of the Presidents" drew on interviews with more than 100 current and former Secret Service agents, providing insight into presidential protection.

Kessler has received 18 journalism awards, including two George Polk Awards, the American Political Science Association's Public Affairs Reporting Award, the Associated Press' Sevellon Brown Memorial Award, and Washingtonian magazine's Washingtonian of the Year award. Franklin Pierce University recognized him with the Marlin Fitzwater Medallion for excellence in journalism and communication. He is listed in Who's Who in America. Kessler's work continues to inform audiences about intelligence, national security, and the operations of key government agencies.