Undersecretary of Defense for Policy Christine E. Wormuth will step down from her position in June to spend more time with her family, Defense Secretary Ash Carter said in a statement released today.
“After more than seven years of dedicated public service in the Obama administration, Christine Wormuth has decided to step down in June as the undersecretary of defense for policy to spend more time with her family,” Carter said in his statement.
Throughout her career, Wormuth “has devoted herself to enhancing America's national security,” Carter added.
Provided Invaluable Counsel
“At the National Security Council and her many roles at the DoD,” the secretary said, “Christine has provided President Obama, my predecessors and me invaluable counsel on the nation's most-challenging security issues. I thank Christine for her service and sacrifice and wish her all the best.”
Wormuth was confirmed by the U.S. Senate as undersecretary of defense for policy on June 19, 2014. In that position she serves as the principal staff assistant to the Secretary of Defense and the Deputy Secretary of Defense for all matters on the formulation of national security and defense policy and the integration and oversight of DoD policy and plans to achieve national security objectives, according to her biography on the DoD website.
Brian McKeon, Wormuth’s principal deputy, has agreed to serve as acting undersecretary of defense for policy, Carter said.
“With his depth of experience -- from Capitol Hill to the White House and now at the Defense Department -- and his expertise on the challenges the country faces, Brian will continue to serve DoD and the country well,” the secretary said.
Assistant Secretary of Defense for Asian and Pacific Security Affairs David Shear will assume McKeon’s responsibilities and perform the duties of principal deputy, Carter said.
“I know Dave's deep knowledge of policy issues, as well as his extensive career in diplomacy, will help us continue to defend the nation and strengthen our defense relationships at a time of change around the world,” the secretary said.
“We have important work ahead, and I want to thank Brian and Dave for their commitment to the department at this critical time,” Carter added.