Dr. Mark T. Esper served as Secretary of Defense from 2019-2020 and as Secretary of the Army from 2017-2019 after being overwhelmingly confirmed by the Senate both times. During his tenure, Esper led the department through unprecedented times: from conflict with Iran and war in Afghanistan; to the greatest civil unrest in decades and a once-in-a-century global pandemic. He implemented a new National Defense Strategy focused on China and Russia; prioritized international alliances; established the Space Force; and proposed a future design for the U.S. Navy. Esper also co-led Operation Warp Speed, the national effort to accelerate the development of COVID-19 vaccines. Dr. Esper earned a BS from West Point, an MPA from Harvard University, and a PhD from George Washington University. He is a combat-decorated veteran of the 1990-91 Gulf War and commanded an airborne rifle company in Europe. Esper later worked in senior positions across Capitol Hill, at the Pentagon, in a presidential campaign, and with prominent think tanks, commissions, and business associations. He was also a senior executive at a Fortune 100 company. Esper is the recipient of multiple civilian and military awards, and author of his NYT bestselling memoir, “A Sacred Oath.” He is currently a Partner and Board Member at Red Cell Partners Venture Capital, consults for prominent companies, and sits on several public policy and private equity boards.
