The Penguin Speakers Bureau

Craig M. Mullaney was appointed Principal Director of Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Central Asia Policy at the Department of Defense in May 2009. He was previously the Chief of Staff for the Department of Defense Transition Team. Prior to joining the Department of Defense, Mullaney was President Obama’s defense policy advisor during the 2008 presidential campaign.

Mullaney graduated second in his class from the United States Military Academy. After completing Ranger School, he continued to the University of Oxford on a Rhodes Scholarship, where he completed master’s degrees in diplomatic and economic history. In 2003, Mullaney led an infantry rifle platoon along the hostile border between Afghanistan and Pakistan with the 10th Mountain Division as part of Operation Enduring Freedom. His platoon operated along the entire spectrum of military operations—from humanitarian assistance with the first Provincial Reconstruction Team established in Afghanistan to combat engagements against Al-Qaeda and the Taliban. Following his return to the United States, Mullaney joined the elite 3rd Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) in Arlington, Virginia, which is responsible for Arlington National Cemetery burials, the Tomb of the Unknowns, and defense of the National Capital Region. He served for three years on the history faculty of the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland.

Mullaney’s military decorations include the Bronze Star, Army Commendation Medal with “V“ device, Combat Infantryman Badge, Ranger Tab, and Parachutist Badge.

Mullaney is the author of the 2009 New York Times bestseller The Unforgiving Minute: A Soldier’s Education. He has appeared on the Charlie Rose show, The CBS Early Show, BBC World News America, National Public Radio, and The Daily Show with Jon Stewart. He has lectured at Harvard Business School, U.S. Southern Command, military service academies, and business forums.

He lives in Washington, D.C., with his wife, Meena.

Check out Craig Mullaney’s website at www.craigmmullaney.com.