Press Release

Harvard Kennedy School’s Belfer Center Names Joseph F. Dunford, Jr. a Senior Fellow

Cambridge, MA – Harvard Kennedy School’s Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs has appointed former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Joseph F. Dunford, Jr. as a resident Senior Fellow. Chairman Dunford, who retired this September as the nation’s highest-ranking military officer, will actively engage with faculty, fellows, and students on leadership development and a range of national security issues.

“Joe’s service to America is extraordinary,” said Director Ash Carter. “His clear-eyed counsel and utmost integrity were indispensable to two U.S. presidents in facing a dangerous world, and his life of service is a powerful example of purpose-centered leadership. It is a great honor to welcome him to the Belfer Center team.”

“I look forward to joining the team at the Belfer Center and helping to prepare the next generation of leaders for the challenges ahead,” said Dunford.

Prior to becoming Chairman, General Dunford served as the 36th Commandant of the Marine Corps. He previously served as the Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps from 2010 to 2012 and was Commander, International Security Assistance Force and United States Forces-Afghanistan from February 2013 to August 2014.

A native of Boston, Dunford graduated from Saint Michael’s College and was commissioned in 1977. He has served as an infantry officer at all levels, including command of 2nd Battalion, 6th Marines, and command of the 5th Marine Regiment during Operation IRAQI FREEDOM.

Dunford also served as the Assistant Division Commander of the 1st Marine Division, Marine Corps Director of Operations, and Marine Corps Deputy Commandant for Plans, Policies, and Operations. He commanded I Marine Expeditionary Force and served as the Commander, Marine Forces U.S. Central Command.

His Joint assignments include duty as the Executive Assistant to the Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Chief of the Global and Multilateral Affairs Division (J-5), and Vice Director for Operations on the Joint Staff (J-3).

A graduate of the U.S. Army Ranger School, Marine Corps Amphibious Warfare School, and the U.S. Army War College, Chairman Dunford also earned master’s degrees in Government from Georgetown University and in International Relations from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University.