Admiral Eric T. Olson
Hon. Michèle Flournoy
ARLINGTON, Va., Sept. 04, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Spirit of America, the nonprofit that mobilizes the American people and private philanthropy to support U.S. national security, today announced that Michèle Flournoy, former Under Secretary of Defense for Policy, and U.S. Navy Admiral (Ret.) Eric T. Olson, former Commander, U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM), have joined its Board of Directors.
Two of America’s most respected national security leaders, Flournoy and Admiral Olson bring decades of experience at the highest levels of defense policy, military leadership, and strategic innovation. Both have served for years on Spirit of America’s Advisory Board and have been steadfast champions of the organization’s mission.
“Michèle and Eric have spent their careers protecting America’s security and defending freedom,” said Jim Hake, founder and CEO of Spirit of America. “They understand that government can’t do everything, and meeting today’s challenges requires all of America’s strengths. America’s greatest advantage has always been our people. Spirit of America harnesses the power of our citizens and philanthropy to support the critical missions of our troops and diplomats around the world. Michèle and Eric will help us realize the full potential of the new model of national security philanthropy we have pioneered.”
Flournoy is co-founder and managing partner of WestExec Advisors and co-founder and chair of the Center for a New American Security (CNAS). She served as Under Secretary of Defense for Policy from 2009 to 2012, where she was the principal adviser to the Secretary of Defense on national security and defense policy, military operations, and strategic planning. During her tenure, she led the development of the Department of Defense’s 2012 Strategic Guidance and represented the Department before Congress, in the media, and in engagements with allies and partners around the world.
She currently serves on the boards of CNAS, Booz Allen Hamilton, Amida Technology Solutions, The Gates Global Policy Center, and The War Horse.
“It’s truly an honor to join the Board of Spirit of America. For many years, I have witnessed the tremendous impact of this organization in supporting the work of our troops and diplomats overseas to advance U.S. strategic interests. Spirit of America enables private citizens, via their philanthropy, to make a real difference to our national security. I look forward to continuing to support this vital mission,” said Michèle Flournoy.
Admiral Olson retired from the U.S. Navy in 2011 after more than 38 years of military service, serving in special operations assignments throughout his career. His service culminated as Commander of U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM), where he was responsible for the readiness and global deployment of all Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps special operations forces. He was the first Navy SEAL to achieve the rank of four-star admiral and the first naval officer to lead USSOCOM.
“I have long admired and appreciated the unique work Spirit of America does in some of the world’s most remote places, often under very tough conditions. Wherever they are, Spirit of America’s teams add great value to the military mission,” said Admiral Eric Olson.
Today, Admiral Olson supports a wide range of private and public sector organizations. A former adjunct professor at Columbia University, he currently serves as a director of Iridium Communications, Inc., Under Armour, Inc., Palladyne AI, Ocean Aero, Newlight Technologies, IP3, Crossover Solutions – National Security, and GardaWorld Federal Services. He also serves as a trustee at the Institute for Defense Analyses and is a chairman emeritus of the Special Operations Warrior Foundation.
Learn more about Spirit of America’s Board of Directors.
About Spirit of America
Spirit of America is a privately funded nonprofit that unites the American people with U.S. troops and diplomats in common cause: to defend freedom, strengthen security, and save and improve lives.
Spirit of America has an unprecedented partnership with the U.S. military, formalized through an agreement with the Department of War. This partnership allows military personnel to collaborate with Spirit of America, identify needs, receive and distribute assistance, and provide logistical support.
Spirit of America has implemented over 1,600 projects in 114 countries in support of national security.
No endorsement of Spirit of America by the U.S. Department of War, Department of State, or their personnel is intended or implied.
Contact
Travis Horne
Spirit of America
[email protected]
Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/09904138-e850-4abc-a4bf-9dd0f8427c94
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/6bc26dd1-e4c4-4c9d-8139-0800c98776aa
