Thank you to USGIF and IFAW for the opportunity to speak on this very important topic.  Although wildlife security and illicit trafficking has many facets, I will focus my comments on the role of intelligence in supporting efforts to reduce and eliminate illegal animal trade

Thank you for the introduction and for welcoming me here today in place of Director Clapper. He had a personal issue that pulled him away, and there is simply no way he could be here today. I know it’s the standard line to say, “I know he wishes he could be here.” In this case, that’s a vast understatement. He was very much looking forward to making this speech – which now, I get to make. [laughter]

A year and a half ago, in July 2013, I gave a speech here about Privacy, Technology and National Security. It was just about a month after classified documents stolen by Edward Snowden began appearing in the press, at a time when people in the United States and around the world were raising questions about the legality and wisdom of our signals intelligence activities.  My speech had several purposes. 

It’s great to be here after fighting the snow traffic in Washington to get to the airport, and then flying here.  I want to thank Father McShane [Fordham University President Joseph M. McShane], for that kind introduction. You have some truly remarkable speakers and panels this week, and I’m humbled that you invited me to speak. Thanks for having me.

Thank you, Tony [Tyler, IATA Director General and CEO] for that kind introduction. I’ve been told I’m the first person to represent the Intelligence Community speaking at AVSEC World, and that’s probably a precedent we should have set a long time ago. Since this is my first time speaking publicly with IATA at all, I really appreciate you extending this invitation.