John F. Kirby, Pentagon Press Secretary
John Kirby is a prominent figure in U.S. public service, renowned for his expertise in national security and public affairs. Currently serving as the Assistant to the Secretary of Defense for Public Affairs, Kirby’s career spans decades of dedicated service in both military and civilian roles. His experience encompasses strategic communication, policy analysis, and leadership positions within the Department of Defense and the Department of State.
In his present role, John Kirby acts as the chief spokesperson for the Department of Defense. He provides counsel to Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III and Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks on all aspects of public communication and community engagement strategies. His responsibilities include articulating the Department’s policies and initiatives to the public, media, and international audiences.
Prior to his current appointment, John Kirby held significant positions within the Obama administration. He served as the Assistant Secretary for the Bureau of Public Affairs at the Department of State from December 2015 to January 2017. Concurrently, he also functioned as the spokesperson for the State Department from May 2015 to January 2017, representing the U.S. government’s foreign policy objectives and engaging with global media outlets.
Kirby’s distinguished career also includes a tenure as the Pentagon Press Secretary under Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel. Notably, he was the first uniformed officer to assume the role of chief spokesman for the Department of Defense, bridging the gap between military operations and public understanding.
Before transitioning to civilian service, John Kirby had a distinguished 28-year career in the U.S. Navy. Commissioned in 1986 as a Naval Officer, he rose to the rank of Rear Admiral before retiring in 2015. His naval service included multiple deployments to critical regions like the Middle East and the Mediterranean, demonstrating his operational experience and strategic understanding of global security landscapes. His final Navy assignment was as Chief of Navy Information, where he served as the principal spokesperson for the Department of the Navy.
Academically, John Kirby holds a Bachelor’s degree in History from the University of South Florida, earned in 1985. He furthered his education with a Master of Science degree in International Relations from Troy State University and a Master of Arts in National Security and Strategic Studies from the Naval War College, reflecting his commitment to continuous learning and expertise in his field. Additionally, he shared his knowledge and experience as an adjunct lecturer at Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service and provided expert military and diplomatic analysis for CNN, contributing to public discourse on critical national and international issues.
John Kirby’s career is a testament to his unwavering commitment to public service and national security. From his decades in uniform to his high-profile civilian roles, he has consistently served as a key communicator and strategic leader, shaping public understanding of U.S. defense and foreign policy.
