Who / What
Michael E. Leiter is an American lawyer who served as the Director of the United States National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC). He held this position during both the George W. Bush administration and part of the Barack Obama administration.
Background & History
Leiter was a key figure in U.S. counterterrorism efforts, appointed to lead the NCTC shortly after its creation post-9/11. His role involved overseeing national coordination against terrorism threats throughout his tenure until he resigned in 2011.
Why Notable
He is notable for leading the nation's premier counterterrorism agency through critical periods and significantly shaping its structure, capabilities, and policy during the transition from the Bush to Obama administration.
In the News
His July 2011 resignation marked the end of his specific tenure at the NCTC head. While news about him subsided then, his expertise in counterterrorism remains relevant today.
