National Security & Defense Policy Expert; Former Under Secretary of Defense for Policy; Co-Founder of Center for a New American Security

Washington, DC, USA
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Michèle Flournoy Biography

Michèle Flournoy is a national security and defense policy expert in the United States, with a career encompassing government service, think tank leadership, and strategic advisory work. Flournoy holds a bachelor's degree in social studies from Harvard University and a master's degree in international relations from Balliol College, Oxford University, where she was a Newton-Tatum scholar. In the mid-1990s, Flournoy served as principal deputy assistant secretary of defense for strategy and threat reduction and deputy assistant secretary of defense for strategy under President Bill Clinton. She previously served as senior advisor at the Center for Strategic and International Studies and as a research professor at the Institute for National Strategic Studies at the National Defense University.

Flournoy served as under secretary of defense for policy, acting as the principal advisor to the secretary of defense on international security strategy, policy, and military force structure. She led the development of the Department of Defense's Strategic Guidance and represented the department in foreign engagements, media appearances, and congressional testimony. Before her confirmation, Flournoy co-led the presidential transition team at the Defense Department and contributed to the administration's counterinsurgency strategy in Afghanistan. Flournoy has been considered for senior defense leadership roles in multiple administrations.

Flournoy co-founded the Center for a New American Security, a non-partisan think tank focused on national security policy, and served as its president and later as CEO. She is also the co-founder and managing partner of WestExec Advisors, a strategic advisory firm. Through these organizations, Flournoy has advised governments, corporations, and policymakers on defense strategy, cybersecurity, and global security policy.

Flournoy has received honors including the American Red Cross Exceptional Service Award, the Department of Defense Medal for Distinguished Public Service, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff's Joint Distinguished Civilian Service Award, the Secretary of Defense Medal for Outstanding Public Service, and CARE's Global Peace, Development and Security Award. She is a former member of the President's Intelligence Advisory Board, the CIA Director's External Advisory Board, and the Defense Policy Board. Flournoy is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations, the Aspen Strategy Group, and a senior fellow at Harvard's Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs.

Flournoy has edited books and authored reports and articles on defense and national security issues. She appears in national and international media, including CNN's "State of the Union," ABC's "This Week," NBC's "Meet the Press," BBC News, NPR's "Morning Edition" and "All Things Considered," and PBS's "NewsHour," and is frequently quoted in major newspapers. Flournoy is recognized for providing analysis on defense strategy, cybersecurity, and global security policy.

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Speaker profile last updated by AAE Talent Team on 10/09/2026.

Michèle Flournoy Videos

Ted Schlein and Michèle Flournoy on the Future of Security and Defense

Ted Schlein and Michèle Flournoy on the Future of Security and Defense

Michèle Flournoy, CEO, Center for a New American Security Ted Schlein, General Partner, Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers With a changing of the...

A Conversation with Michèle Flournoy

A Conversation with Michèle Flournoy

Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the Center for a New American Security, Michèle Flournoy joined Douglas Dillon Professor of Government,...

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Michèle Flournoy is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics. The estimated speaking fee range to book Michèle Flournoy for your event is available upon request. Michèle Flournoy generally travels from Washington, DC, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Theresa Payton, Nicole Perlroth, Rachel Tobac, Tyler Cohen Wood and Sharon Gai. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Michèle Flournoy for an upcoming live or virtual event.

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