Mark Lippert

A former Navy intelligence officer, Lippert earned a Bronze Star for his service in Iraq. Confirmed as the Defense Department’s assistant secretary of defense for Asian and Pacific security affairs in the spring, he will be one of the key players developing closer military ties throughout the Asia-Pacific region in the coming decade. This includes the shifting of forces and resources. Prior to his current position, Lippert served as foreign policy adviser to then-Sen. Barack Obama from 2005 to 2008. He later served as President Obama’s chief of staff for the National Security Council in 2009.