Michael Hayden

General Michael Hayden is a retired four-star general who led the Central Intelligence Agency and the National Security Agency during a period of rapid global changes. As the head of these premier intelligence agencies, he was at the forefront of significant global shifts, the war on terrorism, and emerging cyber challenges. Beyond his leadership roles at the CIA and NSA, General Hayden served as the first Principal Deputy Director of National Intelligence, the highest-ranking military intelligence officer in the country. In all these capacities, he humanized American intelligence, explaining the vital role of espionage in safeguarding both national security and liberty. Hayden's extensive career also includes serving as Commander for the Air Intelligence Agency and directing the Joint Command and Control Warfare Center. His senior staff positions spanned the Pentagon, U.S. European Command, the National Security Council, and the U.S. Embassy in Bulgaria. Additionally, he was the Deputy Chief of Staff for the United Nations Command and U.S. Forces Korea.