Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Robert P. Ashley, Jr.

Intelligence officer and leadership consultant

Carol Ann Walker International Lectureship

Tuesday, November 11, 2025, 11 a.m.
McCrary Theatre, Center for the Arts

Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Robert P. Ashley, Jr. is a career Army intelligence officer who has served at the highest level of U.S. national security and intelligence. His final assignment was as the 21st director of the Defense Intelligence Agency, reporting directly to the Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence and Security and the Secretary of Defense.

Through engaging insider stories and insights from his extensive career at the center of intelligence and security, Ashley examines the current geopolitical landscape, the intelligence community’s role in national policy, and the threats and challenges facing the nation. He combines study, personal experience and observation to share lessons learned from the most consequential military leaders, present and past, and breaks down how to apply these leadership insights at any organization.

Ashley has commanded at the company, battalion, squadron and brigade levels with combat tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in political science from Appalachian State University, a master’s degree in strategic intelligence from the National Intelligence University and a master’s degree in strategic studies from the United States Army War College. His awards and decorations include the Defense Superior Service Medal, the Legion of Merit (1OLC) and the Bronze Star Medal.

Ashley is the CEO of Ashley Global Leadership Security, LLC, and is an adjunct senior fellow for the Center for a New American Security.