Michael E. Leiter

Dubbed "America’s 24-hour point person on terrorism" by National Journal, Michael Leiter served as the Director of the National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC) during two administrations.

During Leiter's tenure, he led the US Government's efforts to respond to repeated crises and high-stakes events including al-Qaeda's failed attempt to bring down a US airliner over Detroit on Christmas Day 2009, the tragic shooting at Fort Hood and a failed car bomb attack in Times Square. His personal reflections on being in the Situation Room during the mission that resulted in the death of Osama bin Laden are mesmerizing.

As NCTC's Director, Leiter led more than 1,000 personnel and managed an annual budget of more than $400 million. In addition, he advised the Office of Management and Budget on the allocation of more than $100 billion annually for government-wide counterterrorism activities.

Leiter shares how principled, thoughtful, visionary, and energetic leadership can carry an organization through crises that are relevant to both government and the private sector. His lessons on motivating employees and working with critical partners and customers in effecting change are as timely to organizations as combating terrorism is to the national security enterprise--and his deep insights provide invaluable understanding to both.