General (Ret.) Kenneth F. \u201cFrank\u201d McKenzie, Jr. is a highly accomplished military leader and expert in international affairs, security, cybersecurity, and leadership. From 2019 to 2022, he served as the Commander of U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), overseeing significant military operations and global security initiatives. He now serves as the Executive Director of the Global and National Security Institute at the University of South Florida and Cyber Florida, the Florida Center for Cybersecurity.<\/p>\n
Over his distinguished 42-year career in the Marine Corps, General McKenzie commanded at every level, including the platoon, battalion, and component levels. Notably, he led the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) on combat deployments to Afghanistan and Iraq between 2004-2006. His strategic leadership roles included serving as Military Secretary to two Commandants of the Marine Corps, Director of the Chairman\u2019s New Administration Transition Team, and Director of Strategic Plans and Policy (J-5) for the Joint Staff.<\/p>\n
General McKenzie played a pivotal role in critical military operations, including leading efforts to eliminate high-profile targets such as ISIS leaders Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi and his successor, as well as Qassem Soleimani. He also oversaw the drawdown of U.S. forces in Iraq and the complex withdrawal from Afghanistan.<\/p>\n
An accomplished scholar, General McKenzie is an honors graduate of the Armor Officer Advanced Course, Marine Corps Command and Staff College, and the School of Advanced Warfighting. He holds a master\u2019s degree in teaching with a focus on history and has served as a Senior Military Fellow at the National Defense University. Known for his exceptional leadership and operational expertise, General McKenzie is a sought-after speaker on global security, military strategy, and leadership.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"