Q&A With Former Acting Director of National Intelligence Richard Grenell on Pride in 2020
On February 20, Richard Grenell was appointed Acting Director of National Intelligence, becoming the first openly gay DNI and cabinet member in American history. Not long ago, these words would have been an impossibility.
For decades, federal law made it so that no amount of education, experience, or intellect could brighten the tarnish of homosexuality in the security clearance process — the gateway into the Intelligence Community. A landmark Executive Order in 1995 set the gears in motion for Grenell to ascend as Acting DNI 25 years later. What would generally be an individual achievement became a benchmark of progress for the U.S. LGBTQ+ community of an estimated 14.8 million. In a Q&A with Grenell, the former Acting DNI shared what it means to be a first, personal moments of pride, and the power of allies.
U.S. Spy Chief: Racism Not Tolerated in Intelligence Community
Director of National Intelligence John Ratcliffe, who has been in office little more than two weeks, has sent a message to the spy agency workforce calling the death of George Floyd "a horrific tragedy" and emphasizing that "we do not and will not tolerate racism of any kind."
IC CIO John Sherman on Being an Effective Senior Leader
Go outside your comfort zone; keep strengthening your skills; engage with people from different backgrounds; and remember the mission. These were just a few tips that IC CIO John Sherman shared with more than 600 attendees during a virtual “Coffee and Conversation” event hosted by INSA (the Intelligence and National Security Alliance) on June 2.
Acting DNI Grenell Statement on U.S. Intent to Withdraw from Open Skies Treaty
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Acting Director of National Intelligence Richard Grenell today issued the following statement regarding the United States formally submitting its intent to withdraw from the Open Skies Treaty:
“For years, Russia has systematically violated the terms of the Open Skies Treaty to the detriment of the United States, our allies, and partners. No country should tolerate such treaty abuses and we’re taking action to right this wrong. America can’t be expected to keep its skies open to Russian monitoring flights, while Russia is unwilling to reciprocate on equal terms. Russia’s treaty violations have undermined the central purpose of the treaty while imperiling its neighbors and jeopardizing U.S. national security.”
Director of National Intelligence Announces Changes to Election Security Briefings
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the ODNI announced that the U.S. Intelligence Community (IC) will lead all intelligence-based threat briefings to candidates, campaigns, and political organizations under the U.S. Government’s notification framework. Bill Evanina, the Director of the National Counterintelligence and Security Center, will serve as the IC’s leader to this critical effort.
Acting DNI Grenell Announces Organizational Changes to National Counterterrorism Center
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Acting Director of National Intelligence Richard Grenell today announced several organizational changes to the National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC), which is part of the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI). Based on the recommendations of career Intelligence Community (IC) officers, the reforms will increase efficiency by avoiding duplication of effort, strengthen support to and burden-sharing with NCTC’s IC partners on counterterrorism issues, and enhance NCTC’s integration within the broader ODNI organization.
Acting DNI Grenell Names Neil Wiley ODNI’s Principal Executive
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Acting Director of National Intelligence Richard Grenell today announced that longtime career intelligence professional Neil Wiley has been named Principal Executive at the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI). Wiley will assume the duties and responsibilities of the Principal Deputy Director of National Intelligence until a Presidential nominee is confirmed by the Senate.
Acting DNI Grenell Announces ODNI Organizational Changes
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Acting Director of National Intelligence Richard Grenell today announced several organizational changes to the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI).
Under staff and leadership review for over a year, these reforms will save government resources, enhance support to ODNI's Department of Defense partners and customers, strengthen the Intelligence Community's (IC) cyber posture, and improve mission management and outreach.
Acting DNI Grenell Statement on Release of HPSCI Transcripts
WASHINGTON, D.C. – WASHINGTON, D.C. – Acting Director of National Intelligence Richard Grenell today issued the following statement:
“At the bipartisan request of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, the Intelligence Community reviewed all transcripts for classification and made appropriate redactions. HPSCI voted unanimously in 2018 to publicly release these transcripts, and it is long past time that these are released.”
Acting DNI Grenell Applauds Senate Confirmation of NCSC Director Bill Evanina
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Acting Director of National Intelligence Richard Grenell today issued the following statement:
“I am pleased that the U.S. Senate today confirmed Bill Evanina as director of the National Counterintelligence and Security Center (NCSC). With more than 30 years of distinguished federal service, including nearly six years of leading NCSC, Evanina’s confirmation is overdue and well-deserved."