Aaron Lukas
Principal Deputy Director Aaron Lukas has demonstrated the experience and skills needed to restore trust and mission-focus to the Intelligence Community. An Arkansas native and graduate of Texas A&M and The George Washington University, Lukas has more than 20 years of distinguished service in the IC.
A seasoned intelligence professional and former CIA Chief of Station, PDDNI Lukas has managed sensitive clandestine programs that have significantly impacted US national security. He is certified in the CIA's most advanced tradecraft and has conducted covert operations and managed liaison relationships around the globe, leveraging his unique training and foreign language skills.
As a former Chief of Staff at the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, he has played a key role in ODNI organizational management and reform. As a Deputy Senior Director and then Acting Senior Director at the National Security Councel, he developed and coordinated foreign/security policy across multiple USG agencies.
PDDNI Lukas understands firsthand the work of intelligence collectors and analysts because he has done it himself. He knows the importance of having a strong intelligence capability and how it should function when done properly, without bias or stifling bureaucracy.
He now is helping DNI Gabbard bring much-needed transformational change, transparency, and efficiency to the IC. His focus is on advancing the ODNI's core mission of harmonizing the work of the 18 intelligence agencies.
PDDNI Lukas is honored to be entrusted by President Trump and DNI Gabbard to fulfill this critical role, and most of all, is proud to serve the American people.