John G. Edwards

In addition to serving on Iridium’s Government Advisory Board, John Edwards currently serves as the President of the CIA Officers Memorial Foundation.  Until his retirement on 30 September 2021, he served as CIA’s Deputy Chief Operating Officer responsible for strategic management of the CIA’s “Director’s area” corporate offices, and in conjunction with the Chief Operating Officer, managing all aspects of CIA’s day-to-day operations, corporate governance, and continuous improvements in how the CIA leverages its personnel, multibillion dollar budget, and other resources to advance national security priorities. This included playing a central role in overseeing and integrating the work of CIA’s Directorates and Mission Centers, including directly supervising the Directorates of Digital Innovation, Science and Technology, and Support.  He brings a wide range of enterprise-level government/industry leadership experience and expertise, including his previous role as the CIA’s Chief Information Officer and the Director of CIA’s Information Technology Enterprise.  Known for his leadership, corporate vision, and preference for action, John has held a variety of other senior leadership positions at CIA, where he played an integral role in implementing the DCI’s strategic and operational priorities.  In 2003, John left the CIA for the private sector. In 2016, after 12 years of experience with two successful start-up companies, John returned to the CIA to serve as Chief Intelligence Officer.  His awards include three Director’s Medals, the Distinguished Career Intelligence Medal, the Intelligence Medal of Merit, the Intelligence Commendation Medal, and the Presidential Rank Award, the nation’s highest honor for civilian service.