Top Defense Experts Join CNAS Board of Directors

Washington, D.C., June 1, 2009 - The Center for a New American Security (CNAS) is pleased to announce that five exemplary individuals with extensive experience in national security, foreign policy, and strategic planning have joined its Board of Directors. Denis Bovin, Ambassador R. Nicholas Burns, Peter Schwartz, Dr. John P. White, and Michael J. Zak bring valuable perspective to the Board chaired by Dr. Richard Danzig, former Secretary of the Navy.

"We are thrilled to have these proven leaders join the Board of Directors of the Center for a New American Security," said Secretary Danzig. "The wisdom they have gained in their many years of public and private sector experience will be invaluable."

Denis A. Bovin is Co-Chairman and Co-CEO of Stone Key Partners LLC, a strategic and financial advisory investment bank. He has more than 30 years of experience with the strategic and financial concerns of domestic and international companies. In 1998, Defense Daily named Mr. Bovin one of the world's 40 most influential people in global defense, aerospace and national security. Mr. Bovin served on the President's Intelligence Advisory Board, serves as a consultant to the Defense Science Board, is a member of the Defense Business Board, and a recipient of the Department of Defense Medal for Distinguished Public Service.

Ambassador R. Nicholas Burns is Professor in the Practice of Diplomacy and International Politics at Harvard University's Kennedy School of Government. He retired in 2008 from the United States Foreign Service after a 27-year career. While serving in the Foreign Service, Ambassador Burns was the Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs from 2005 to 2008, the nation's highest-ranking career diplomat. Prior to that, he was United States Ambassador to NATO from 2001 to 2005, Ambassador to Greece from 1997 to 2001, and State Department Spokesman for Secretaries of State Madeleine Albright and Warren Christopher (1995-1997). He also served at the National Security Council from 1990-95. He was Special Assistant to President Clinton and Senior Director for Russia, Ukraine and Eurasia Affairs and, before that, Director for Soviet Affairs for President George H.W. Bush.

Peter Schwartz is a cofounder and chairman of Global Business Network, the world's foremost consultancy in scenario thinking, strategic conversation, and futures research. He is one of the world's leading practitioners of working with corporations, governments and institutions to create alternative perspectives of the future and develop robust strategies for a changing and uncertain world. Before founding GBN in 1987, Peter headed scenario planning for the Royal Dutch/Shell Group of Companies in London and directed the Strategic Environment Center at SRI International. He is the author of several books, publishes and lectures widely, and served as a script consultant on the films "Minority Report," "Deep Impact," "Sneakers," and "War Games."

Dr. John P. White is the Robert and Renée Belfer Lecturer and Chair of the Middle East Initiative at the Harvard Kennedy School. Previously he has served as U.S. Deputy Secretary of Defense, Deputy Director of the Office of Management and Budget, Assistant Secretary of Defense, Manpower, Reserve Affairs, and Logistics and as a lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps. Prior to his most recent government service, White was the Director of the Center for Business and Government at Harvard University and the Chair of the Commission on Roles and Missions of the Armed Forces.

Michael J. Zak has a total of 23 years of experience as an entrepreneur and early stage venture capital investor. Since 1991 he has been a principal investor at Charles River Ventures, where he has been involved in the funding of more than 150 companies in global industries. He is a co-founder of a successful start-up high technology company, where he served in various executive roles. Mr. Zak served as an officer in the United States Marine Corps and is a member of the National Committee on U.S.-China Relations. He is active with the Marine Corps University Foundation in developing new approaches to mid-career officer education and has served on the Advisory Board on Strategic Analysis for the United States Intelligence Community.