Center for a New American Security

Ike Skelton, Anne-Marie Slaughter and Richard Verma Join CNAS Board of Advisors

Washington, August 15, 2011 — The Center for a New American Security (CNAS) is pleased to announce three new members of its Board of Advisors: Ike Skelton, Partner at Husch Blackwell LLP; Anne-Marie Slaughter, Professor of Politics and International Affairs at Princeton University; and Richard Verma, Partner at Steptoe & Johnson LLP.

Ike Skelton joins CNAS after serving as a United States Representative for 34 years and most recently as the Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee from 2007 until his departure from the House in 2011. “As a United States Representative for 34 years, Congressman Skelton served our nation admirably, devoting his attention to critical issues such as the war in Afghanistan and constantly advocating for our men and women in uniform,” said CNAS President John Nagl. “He will prove an invaluable member of our team, particularly through helping to further our mission of educating and training the next generation of national security leaders.”

Anne-Marie Slaughter most recently served as Director of Policy Planning at the State Department. “Anne-Marie possesses exceptional foreign policy expertise acquired not only from her years of academic research at Princeton and Harvard, but also from her tenure as Director of Policy Planning at the State Department, where she led the first-ever Quadrennial Diplomacy and Development Review,” said CNAS CEO Nathaniel Fick. “Her understanding of our most pressing national security challenges and her practical, analytical approach make her a welcome addition to the Center, and we are honored to have her join our Board of Advisors.”

Richard Verma recently served as Assistant Secretary of State for Legislative Affairs. “Rich brings to CNAS expertise in legislative affairs and national security policy and a substantive background in non-proliferation and the prevention of terrorism,” said Nagl. “Rich has a unique blend of national security, Congressional and private sector experience that will greatly benefit the Center’s work.”

Ike Skelton is a Partner at Husch Blackwell LLP, where he advises clients on a variety of legal and public policy issues, especially matters relating to national defense, small business and international trade. Prior to joining the firm, Congressman Skelton served as the U.S. Representative from Missouri’s Fourth District (1977-2011). As U.S. Representative, Congressman Skelton's focus was on issues involving jobs and the economy, the War in Afghanistan, military health insurance reform and standing up for the U.S. men and women in uniform. He was instrumental in the enactment of the Goldwater-Nichols Act, which simplified the chains of command, reduced inter-service rivalries, and implemented shared procurement processes between the branches. He also served as the Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee from 2007 until his departure. Voters chose Congressman Skelton to represent them in the Missouri Senate from 1971 to 1977. He began his career as a prosecuting attorney and a special assistant attorney general.

Anne-Marie Slaughter is the Bert G. Kerstetter '66 University Professor of Politics and International Affairs at Princeton University. From 2009–2011 she served as Director of Policy Planning for the United States Department of State, the first woman to hold that position. Upon leaving the State Department she received the Secretary’s Distinguished Service Award, the highest honor conferred by the State Department, for her work leading the Quadrennial Diplomacy and Development Review. She also received a Meritorious Honor Award from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). Prior to her government service, Dr. Slaughter was the Dean of Princeton’s Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs from 2002–2009, where she rebuilt the School’s international relations faculty and created a number of new centers and programs. From 1994-2002, Dr. Slaughter was the J. Sinclair Armstrong Professor of International, Foreign, and Comparative Law and Director of the International Legal Studies Program at Harvard Law School.

Rich Verma is a Partner at the law firm of Steptoe & Johnson LLP, where he is a member of the international and government affairs practice groups. Mr. Verma also serves as Counselor to the Albright Stonebridge Group, a global consulting firm, and is a Senior Fellow at the Center for American Progress, where he works with the National Security and International Policy team. He most recently served as the Assistant Secretary of State for Legislative Affairs, where he was a principal advisor to Secretary Hillary R. Clinton. Mr. Verma formerly was the Senior National Security Advisor to the Senate Majority Leader, Harry Reid, and he has worked in the House of Representatives for the late Congressman John P. Murtha. In 2008, he was appointed a member of the Commission to Prevent Weapons of Mass Destruction and Terrorism, and he also served as a member of the Defense Department Presidential Transition Team. He is a veteran of the U.S. Air Force and also a former country director for the National Democratic Institute for International Affairs.

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The Center for a New American Security (CNAS) is an independent and nonpartisan research institution that develops strong, pragmatic and principled national security and defense policies. CNAS leads efforts to help inform and prepare the national security leaders of today and tomorrow.