U.S. Secretary of Defense (2011-2013), Director, Central Intelligence Agency (2009-2011), Chief of Staff to President Bill Clinton (1994-1997), Director, U.S. Office of Management and Budget (1993-1994) and Co-founder, Panetta Institute for Public Policy
One of the nation’s most respected bipartisan leaders in recent history, Leon Panetta has devoted his career to the American people, guiding U.S. intelligence, defense and economic strategies over the past four decades.
As Secretary of Defense and Director of the Central Intelligence Agency under President Barack Obama, Leon Panetta shares with audiences his candid insights on global politics and world affairs, U.S. intelligence, defense and cyber security strategies and the global economic challenges of the 21st Century. Commended by President Obama as “a man who hasn’t simply lived up to the American Dream, but who’s helped us protect it,” Panetta’s successes in office are marked with major historical milestones such as guiding the military’s formal exit from Iraq, beginning troop withdrawals from Afghanistan and ending a NATO campaign which ridded Libya of Moammar Gadhafi. At the helm of the Central Intelligence Agency during the height of the Iraq war, Panetta was most notably responsible for overseeing the operation that resulted in bringing Osama bin Laden to justice. As Chief of Staff to President Bill Clinton, Panetta is credited with being a powerful negotiator in balancing budgets, honed while serving as the Director of the Office of Management and Budget and his years chairing the House Budget Committee while a member of the U.S. House of Representatives. Lauded for his integrity, honesty and character, Panetta served as an Army intelligence officer and received the Army Commendation Medal along with numerous other awards throughout his distinguished career. Panetta is co-founder of the Panetta Institute for Public Policy, a nonpartisan study center which helps meet the challenges of the 21st Century. In his autobiography, Worthy Fights: A Memoir of Leadership in War and Peace (October 2014), as always, Panetta calls them as he sees them as throughout his career his polestar has been his belief that a public servant’s real choice is between leadership or crisis—troubles always come about through no fault of one’s own, but most can be prevented with courage and foresight.
Leon Panetta on the Importance of Service to Country
Leon Panetta’s Speech Topics
Remarks by Leon Panetta
Leon Panetta will speak to a wide variety of domestic and global issues.
Topic areas include:
Global Politics and U.S. Foreign Policy
U.S. Intelligence, Defense and Cyber Security Strategies
Global Economic Challenges of the 21st Century
U.S. Fiscal Policy and National Security
Leadership, Negotiation and Conflict Resolution
What other organizations say about Leon Panetta
Secretary Panetta was amazing. Over the top fantastic! Our group was mesmerized, he was down to earth, approachable, funny, inspiring, insightful and so much more. I truly do not know how we will top him next year. By far the best speaker that we have had in a long time. We are continuing to get feedback from our attendees and sponsors.
Chambers of Commerce
What other organizations say about Leon Panetta
What a fantastic evening with Leon Panetta. From the moment he walked into the room, he captured the attention of all. Whether it was an individual, small group or the main stage, his passion for his work and his role in the community spoke to heart of who we are.
Non-Profit
What other organizations say about Leon Panetta
We really couldn’t have asked for a better evening given the world today; and to hear from a statesmen in times like these is not only reassuring, it’s refreshing.
