Belfer Center Welcomes Three Distinguished Leaders as Senior Fellows

Robert Blackwill, Wendy Sherman, and Admiral James “Sandy” Winnefeld Bring National Security Experience to Belfer Center

Cambridge, MA – What do George W. Bush’s deputy national security adviser and ambassador to India, President Obama’s lead Iran negotiator, and the Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff have in common? All are joining Harvard Kennedy School’s Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs as senior fellows, non resident. Robert Blackwill, Wendy Sherman, and Admiral James “Sandy” Winnefeld will bring to the Center recent experience in addressing challenges of national security, provide guidance for the center’s pre- and post-doctoral fellows and students, and work with other faculty and fellows in producing research products.

“Each of our new senior fellows is a bona fide all-star,” said Director Graham Allison. “Their work will enhance the Belfer Center’s efforts to provide leaders and policymakers with compelling answers to some of the world’s most critical security questions. We are fortunate to host their continuing public service here at Harvard, and look forward to learning from them and to sharing their insights widely.”

Ambassador Blackwill brings decades of government experience to his role. He served both President Bushes in a variety of posts, including ambassador to India, presidential envoy to Iraq, White House policy coordinator for Afghanistan and Iran, and White House special assistant for European and Soviet affairs, a role in which he was awarded the Commander’s Cross of the Order of Merit for his contribution to German unification. Before reentering government in 2001, he served for 14 years as a Harvard faculty member, including as Belfer Lecturer in International Security and associate dean of the Kennedy School, where he taught foreign and defense policy and public policy analysis.

“Under Graham Allison’s leadership, the Belfer Center is a global intellectual powerhouse on every vital dimension of foreign and defense policy in this stormy era,” said Blackwill. “I am delighted to be home.”

Ambassador Sherman, who is also joining Harvard’s Institute of Politics as a fellow, comes directly from her role as America's lead negotiator on the Iran nuclear deal. Before serving from 2011 to 2015 as the Under Secretary for Political Affairs at the Department of State, Ambassador Sherman was Vice Chair of Albright Stonebridge Group, a global strategy firm; Counselor for the State Department; Special Advisor to President Clinton; and Policy Coordinator on North Korea.

“From Syria to Ukraine, Nigeria to China, Colombia to Khazakhstan, America faces a daunting array of security challenges,” said Sherman. “I’m eager to join a Belfer Center community committed to providing leaders in Washington and around the world with research and ideas equal to today’s pressing problems.”

Admiral Winnefeld retired in July as America’s second highest-ranking military officer. Before serving as Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, Winnefeld led the USS Enterprise in combat operations in Afghanistan immediately after 9/11 and led Task Forces 50, 152, and 58 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. He also served as commander of the United States 6^th Fleet; NATO Allied Joint Command; NORAD; and USNORTHCOM. Winnefeld has earned numerous domestic and foreign military awards, including the Defense Distinguished Service Medal and the Bronze Star.

"I'm honored and delighted to have the opportunity to contribute to the Belfer Center's faculty, fellows, and staff as they bring their considerable expertise to bear on making sense of the complex and dynamic security environment of our time," said Winnefeld.