GENERAL JOHN ABIZAID, U.S. ARMY (RET.)

Secretary James Geurts, known to most as Hondo, has over three decades of leadership in the national security sector. Known for his abilities to rapidly field emerging technologies, create and scale innovative solutions, inspire teams, and develop diverse talent, he is a proven leader in the most challenging and complex situations. Most recently, he performed the duties of the Under Secretary of the Navy, where he served as the Chief Operating Officer and Chief Management Officer for the Department of the Navy and was responsible for the effective global business operations of the over 1 million person / $200B U.S. Navy and Marine Corps team. After his unanimous Senate confirmation in 2017 and until 2021, he served as Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Research, Development & Acquisition, where he was responsible for overseeing a budget in excess of $140B annually and ensuring procurement and sustainment of platforms, systems, technologies, and services to enhance the capabilities and readiness of Sailors and Marines serving around the globe in defense of the nation.