Dr. Mara Karlin Joins Spirit of America’s Board of Advisors
Karlin previously served as assistant secretary of defense for strategy, plans, and capabilities
ARLINGTON, VA – Spirit of America, a nonprofit organization that harnesses the power of the American people and private philanthropy to support US national security, today announced that Dr. Mara Karlin has joined its Board of Advisors.
“Dr. Karlin has spent her career shaping US national security strategy and building bridges between government, policy, and the field,” said Jim Hake, Founder and CEO of Spirit of America. “Her experience and insight will be invaluable as Spirit of America continues to expand our work in support of US military and diplomatic missions—delivering rapid, flexible, and citizen-driven assistance that demonstrates America’s values and advances our interests around the world.”
Dr. Karlin has held senior national security roles under six US secretaries of defense, advising on strategic planning, risk management, defense budgeting, the future of conflict, and regional affairs. Most recently, she served as assistant secretary of defense for strategy, plans, and capabilities, leading the 2022 National Defense Strategy, which informs the work of 3 million people and a budget of approximately $850 billion.
In that role, she advised the secretary of defense on forces, plans, posture, emerging capabilities, and security cooperation, including a historic modernization of US force posture, security cooperation reform, the development of numerous national and defense strategic guidance documents, and AUKUS. Previously, she led the Department of Defense’s relations with nearly 150 countries, and spent years focused specifically on US policy toward the Middle East, Europe, and Asia.
“I’m honored to join Spirit of America and support its vital mission. Its meaningful, practical approach to solving real-world challenges is both inspiring and essential, exemplifying the very best of American values in action,” said Dr. Mara Karlin.
Dr. Karlin currently serves as a professor at Johns Hopkins University-School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) and a visiting fellow at the Brookings Institution. She is the author of two acclaimed books on military history and defense policy and served on multiple Congressional commissions. She received the Secretary of Defense Distinguished Public Service Medal, the highest award given to civilians by the Secretary of Defense.
Learn more about Spirit of America’s Board of Advisors: spiritofamerica.org/about/board-and-advisors
About Spirit of America
Spirit of America is a privately funded nonprofit that unites the American people with US 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 US military, formalized through an agreement with the Department of Defense. 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 America’s national security.
No endorsement of Spirit of America by the US Department of Defense, Department of State, or their personnel is intended or implied.
