Mary Beth Morgan joined the National War College Faculty in 2021 serving as the Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD) Chair and Faculty Seminar Leader. Prior to joining the War College, Ms. Morgan served as the Principal Director for East Asia in the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Indo-Pacific Security Affairs within OSD Policy. She was responsible for advising the senior leadership within the Department of Defense on all policy matters pertaining to the development and implementation of defense strategies, plans, policies, and bilateral security relations for the East Asia region (Australia, China, Japan, the Korean Peninsula, Mongolia, New Zealand, the Pacific Islands, Taiwan, and Antarctica). In particular, Ms. Morgan developed policy and plans to implement the 2018 National Defense Strategy to address long-term competition with China, to include the creation of a new Office of the DASD for China which enables greater focus and alignment of Department efforts. She also oversaw all aspects of the complex U.S. bilateral and multilateral security relationships within the region and led multiple strategic reviews, policy dialogues, and negotiations with regional Allies and Partners advancing U.S. national security objectives.
Previously, Ms. Morgan served as Chief of Staff to the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Homeland Defense & Global Security (ASD). In this capacity, she was the principal advisor to and representative of the ASD on issues related to: Cyber, Space, Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction, Defense Continuity & Mission Assurance, and Homeland Defense & Defense Support to Civil Authorities. In addition, as the Director for Cyber Strategy and International Engagement, Ms. Morgan was a founding member of OSD Policy’s Cyber Policy Office. She led the establishment and growth of the Department’s international cyber partnerships, with key nations and multilateral organizations throughout Europe, the Asia-Pacific, and the Middle East. Ms. Morgan also developed and implemented major whole-of-nation and Departmental approaches to managing key cyber threats enhancing the security posture of the United States.
Before joining the Department of Defense, Ms. Morgan was a Presidential Management Fellow and served as the Director for Korea and Taiwan Affairs at the U.S. Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration. In this capacity, she was responsible for enhancing market access for U.S. industry and ensuring partner compliance with both bilateral and multilateral trade agreements. Her work culminated in the launching of the U.S.-Korea Free Trade Agreement negotiations. In addition, Ms. Morgan served as an industry analyst responsible for automotive trade issues related to Japan, Korea, Taiwan, and China. She served as a principal member of the U.S.-Japan Automotive Framework Agreement Enforcement Team and as the U.S. lead for U.S.-Korea motor vehicle discussions.
Ms. Morgan holds both a Bachelor of Arts in International Affairs and a Master of Public Administration from The George Washington University. She is also a graduate of the National War College, earning a Master of Science in National Security Strategy. Her awards include the Secretary of Defense Medal for Meritorious Civilian Service, Bronze Palm.