Security and Defense Expert Deborah Rosenblum Joins the Council
The Chicago Council on Global Affairs is pleased to announce the appointment of Deborah Rosenblum as Distinguished Nonresident Fellow on Nuclear and Biological Defense. Rosenblum will join the Council’s roster of esteemed experts in contributing to the Council’s thought leadership, convening and research efforts.
Rosenblum has spent 35 years as an expert in the national security and defense field, having served during the Biden administration as the Senate-confirmed assistant secretary of defense for nuclear, chemical, and biological defense programs, as well as the acting deputy under secretary of defense for acquisition and sustainment. In those roles, she was responsible for all matters pertaining to acquisition; logistics and materiel readiness; installations and environment; operational energy; chemical, biological and nuclear defense; and the defense industrial base.
“I am delighted to join the Chicago Council on Global Affairs’ distinguished community and contribute to its important mission,” Rosenblum said. “Having spent decades navigating complex global threats, I know that addressing the current geopolitical landscape takes deep, collaborative dialogue. I look forward to contributing to the Council’s thoughtful, nonpartisan conversations as we move forward.”
Prior to her work with the Department of Defense, Rosenblum served as executive vice president at the Nuclear Threat Initiative, a global nonprofit focused on reducing catastrophic risks. She advised corporate clients on business opportunities in the defense and homeland security markets as a vice president at The Cohen Group, a global consulting firm. She holds degrees from Middlebury College and Columbia University and currently serves as a senior consultant to a range of defense companies, nonprofits and academic institutions.
“As the future of nuclear and biological security is tested and US alliance commitments are unsettled, Deborah Rosenblum’s deep expertise in defense and logistics will be a very important asset for the Council,” said Council President and CEO Leslie Vinjamuri. “We are thrilled to have her join us in our efforts to ensure the Council's contributions in this area are informed by the highest level of expertise at this critical moment. Rosenblum's appointment builds on the Council's existing excellence in security and defense.”
About the Council
A nonpartisan, nonprofit organization, the Council was founded in 1922 and is dedicated to increasing knowledge and engagement in global affairs. Our in-depth analysis and expert-led research influence policy conversations and inform the insights we share with our growing community. Through accessible content and open dialogue of diverse, fact-based perspectives, we empower more people to help shape our global future. Learn more at globalaffairs.org.