William S. Cohen earned and international reputation for independence, judgment and integrity during an illustrious 31-year public service career. When Cohen was named Secretary of Defense in 1997, it marked the first time in modern American history that an elected official from one political party was selected to serve in the cabinet of a president of another party. During his service in the Clinton Cabinet, Cohen was hailed as a model example of how bipartisanship can break political gridlock.

A distinguished senior statesman, Cohen's extraordinary leadership proved instrumental in spreading freedom across Europe through enlargement of the NATO alliance. He was also a key figure in ensuring stability in Asia through deeper security alliances, and transforming U.S. forces through a historic increase in defense spending. Cohen skillfully guided the U.S. Military through the 1999 NATO air campaign over Kosovo and during operations to prevent Iraq from destabilizing the strategic Persian Gulf region.

As Secretary of Defense, a position often described as the chief executive officer of the largest and most complex corporation in the world, William Cohen launched a revolution in the business affairs of the Defense Department. Committed to bringing accountability and the best business practices of the private sector to government, his ingenuity saved American taxpayers billions of dollars by streamlining, reforming, and modernizing acquisitions and other critical operations.

During his 24 years of representing Maine in the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives, William Cohen earned widespread acclaim for his bold leadership across party lines. As a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, he played a leading role in crafting the historic Goldwater-Nichols Defense Reorganization Act. A member, and Vice Chairman, of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, he co-authored legislation strengthening U.S. intelligence and counterintelligence to defend the nation from foreign political and industrial espionage.

Former Secretary Cohen has authored or co-authored nine books, including three novels and two books of poetry. An eloquent speaker with a mastery of global affairs, Cohen offers a unique perspective on the international security challenges facing the United States in the 21st Century.