Michael Morell Biography

One of the country’s most-respected national security experts, Michael Morell is the former deputy director of the Central Intelligence Agency. The agency’s second-in-command, he spent his entire career at the CIA and has been in the room with the nation’s major political players for more than a decade. He is the only official who was with both President Bush on September 11th and President Obama on May 1st, when Osama Bin Laden was brought to justice during a raid that Morell had been integral in planning. According to the Wall Street Journal, he had “been at the center of nearly every fight against al Qaeda and has seen the limits of U.S. intelligence.

Morell is an extraordinary speaker and an emotionally-moving storyteller. Audiences appreciate his insights on current events and the geopolitical challenges that keep one of the nation's most legendary CIA leaders awake at night. He has been at the center of our nation’s fight against terrorism and its response to geopolitical and security challenges like the Arab Spring, the rise of China, and the growing cyber threat, and he can tailor his talk to regional-specific issues and the interests of his audience. In high-impact presentations, he shares insider stories and addresses our nation’s geopolitical and security challenges, navigating the complex and clandestine web of politics and security and helping organizations understand the business impact of these issues in the process. Exclusively represented by Leading Authorities speakers bureau, Morell is currently a member of the Council on Foreign Relations and a member of President Obama's Review Group on Intelligence and Telecommunications, which is analyzing Edward Snowden's leak of NSA information.

CIA History. During his 33-year career at the CIA, Morell was known for his leadership. He managed an agency equivalent in complexity to a Fortune 500 firm, inspired peak performance, and mentored most of the agency’s senior leadership team. When Petraeus took over in 2011, it was Morell who shepherded the general into the role, and he twice served as acting director – longer than anyone in the history of the agency, leading the CIA when Leon Panetta was named Secretary of Defense and again following David Petraeus’ resignation. Expected out in 2015, he is also writing The Great War Of Our Time: An Insider’s Account of the CIA’s Fight Against al Qa’ida, which he says will be a “news-making account of the CIA, a life of secrets, and a war in the shadows.

As a renowned expert and highly sought-after speaker, Michael Morell's expertise is in high demand. To book Michael Morell for your next event, conference, or workshop, please contact our speaker booking agency. Our experienced team will work closely with you to understand your specific needs and help secure Michael Morell's participation. With our professional guidance and seamless booking process, you can ensure a memorable and impactful experience for your audience. Don't miss the opportunity to engage your audience with Michael Morell's compelling insights and inspire positive change within your organization. Fill out the booking request form to take the first step in securing Michael Morell for your next speaking engagement.