Robert Hutchings, assistant dean of the Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs, is taking a public service leave of absence to serve as chairman of the U.S. National Intelligence Council. He is expected to assume his new role in early 2003.
Hutchings will report to Director of Central Intelligence George Tenet and coordinate intelligence estimates for President Bush.
"Bob has been an outstanding teacher and administrator here at the Wilson School. We will miss him, but take pride in his achievement. He will serve with distinction at a time of great national need," said Anne-Marie Slaughter, dean of the Woodrow Wilson School. "We look forward to his return upon the completion of his public service."
Hutchings, who has been with the Wilson School since 1997, is expected to return to Princeton in early 2005. Before coming to the University, he had served as director of international studies at the Washington-based Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars and as a special adviser, with the rank of ambassador, to former U.S. Secretary of State James Baker III, a member of Princeton's Class of 1952. Hutchings also has been director for European affairs at the National Security Council and deputy director of Radio Free Europe.
The National Intelligence Council represents the entire U.S. intelligence community and acts as a center for mid- and long-term strategic thinking about national security issues. The council also includes a vice chairman and 12 national intelligence officers, who are selected from the government, academia and the private sector. Its goal is to provide U.S. policymakers with the best and most objective assessments of international developments.
Hutchings has served twice on the council, as director of its analysis group and as deputy national intelligence officer for Europe.
"Bob's wide-ranging career in public service, including experience both as an analyst and a consumer of intelligence, make him an ideal choice to lead the NIC as it grows and adapts to meet an unprecedented demand from policymakers for intelligence community products," Tenet said.
Hutchings is a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy and holds a Ph.D. in government from the University of Virginia.
Contact: Lauren Robinson-Brown (609) 258-3601