| Arlington, VA (October 30, 2020) – The Intelligence and National Security Alliance (INSA) today announced that The Honorable Sue Gordon, former Principal Deputy Director of National Intelligence (PDDNI), will receive the organization’s 2021 William Oliver Baker Award. Established in 1984, the Baker Award recognizes extraordinary contributions to U.S. intelligence and national security affairs. One of the country’s most accomplished national security leaders, Ms. Gordon’s three decades of public service culminated with her tenure as PDDNI from 2017-2019. Serving as the country’s second highest intelligence official, she led the effort to better integrate the Intelligence Community, innovate to meet new challenges and opportunities, expand outreach and public-private partnerships, drive innovation, and advance diversity and inclusion. Ms. Gordon was named the 2020 recipient of the Baker Award, but due to the pandemic, the celebratory award dinner was postponed to September 2021. “The William Oliver Baker Award Dinner brings our community together, welcoming both current and former leaders, reuniting friends and colleagues, building new relationships, and celebrating excellence," said INSA Chairman Tish Long. “Sue Gordon exemplifies the dedication, drive, and selfless service to nation that forms the heart of this community. While we were not able to hold our 2020 event, we are looking forward to honoring Sue’s extraordinary contributions to the national security mission in September 2021.” Throughout her career, Ms. Gordon has been recognized for her creative executive leadership through numerous awards, including the Distinguished Intelligence Award and Presidential Rank Award at the distinguished level. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in zoology from Duke University, where she was the multi-year captain of the women’s basketball team. Ms. Gordon currently serves on a number of advisory boards and is a senior fellow at the Georgetown University Center for Security and Emerging Technology and Harvard’s Belfer Center. The Baker Award recognizes individuals who have made sustained contributions or single achievements of extraordinary merit to the intelligence and national security affairs of the United States. Previous recipients include GEN Keith B. Alexander, The Hon. Stephanie O'Sullivan, and The Hon. Robert S. Mueller III. The Baker Award Selection Committee is comprised of members from INSA’s leadership, the board of directors, and advisory committee. Ms. Gordon will be recognized at the 2021 William Oliver Baker Award Dinner on Saturday, September 25 at the Omni Shoreham Hotel in Washington, D.C. Registration for this festive event will open in Spring 2021. |
