|
 |
 |
|
Panetta confirms 'invaluable' Flournoy leaving Pentagon
The Pentagon on Monday confirmed top policy official Michèle Flournoy is leaving the Defense Department early next year.
In a statement, Defense Secretary Leon Panetta called Flournoy, the undersecretary of defense for policy, an “invaluable advisor to me during my six months as secretary of defense, and has been an outstanding departmental leader for nearly three years at a time of great consequence for our nation's defense.”
Panetta credited Flournoy with “guiding” the U.S. policy for the Afghanistan and Iraq conflicts, while also leading several sweeping Pentagon strategies, including the 2010 Quadrennial Defense Review and an ongoing one to inform budget cuts.
She is the highest-ranking woman in DOD history, and had been on many short lists to replace former Defense Secretary Robert Gates when he left over the summer.
“Michèle has made a strong and lasting positive imprint on this department and on our nation's security,” Panetta said.
Flournoy is leaving for personal reasons, but will stay in the job until February, Panetta said.
“In her discussions with me, Michèle made clear that her decision to leave is motivated by personal and family considerations,” the Pentagon chief said.
“I will personally miss her valued counsel, but I understand the stresses and strains that holding senior administration positions can have on families,” Panetta said. “I'm confident that she will have many years of service in her future.
