Deborah Lee James

Deborah Lee James is a prominent figure in the realm of defense and national security, currently serving as the Chairwoman of the Defense Business Board at the United States Department of Defense. She has a distinguished career that includes significant roles in both the public and private sectors.

Career Highlights

• 23rd Secretary of the Air Force: From December 2013 to January 2017, James was the Secretary of the Air Force, overseeing 660,000 military and civilian personnel and managing a budget of nearly $140 billion. She was notably the second woman to lead a military service in the U.S..123

• Leadership at SAIC: Before her tenure as Secretary, she held various leadership positions at Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC), including President of the Technical and Engineering Sector, where she managed a $2 billion enterprise with 8,700 employees. Her roles at SAIC also included executive vice president for communications and government affairs.134

• Government Experience: James has extensive experience within the U.S. government, having served as the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Reserve Affairs and as a professional staff member for the House Armed Services Committee. Her background includes significant involvement in national security and defense policy.145

Current Roles and Affiliations

In addition to her position as Chair of the Defense Business Board, James serves on the boards of several organizations, including Textron and Unisys. She is also involved with various nonprofit boards, such as the Atlantic Council and the PenFed Foundation, and is an executive mentor and advisor to several organizations in the defense and technology sectors.23

Education

James holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Comparative Area Studies from Duke University and a Master of Science degree in International Affairs from Columbia University. She has also received honorary doctorates from institutions like The Citadel and the College of Charleston.12

Publications and Media

She is an accomplished speaker on topics related to national security and has authored a book titled "Aim High: Chart Your Course and Find Success." James frequently appears on national news programs, sharing her insights on defense and public policy issues.234

Overall, Deborah Lee James is recognized for her leadership and expertise in defense, strategic planning, and public policy, making her a significant figure in contemporary discussions around national security.