U.S. President Joe Biden is nominating Celeste Wallander as his assistant secretary of Defense for international security affairs, a crucial position and one of his last remaining foreign policy posts, Axios has learned.
By tapping Wallander, president and CEO of U.S.-Russia Foundation, Biden is rounding out his Pentagon team with an academic and Russia expert respected on both sides of the aisle.
"She has deep policy expertise in key regions, experience in getting things done in the Pentagon, and a track record as a gifted manager and leader," said Michèle Flournoy, an ex-Pentagon official under President Obama. "She will bring excellent judgment and proven experience in defense diplomacy to the job."
The assistant secretary of international security affairs typically travels with the secretary of Defense to Europe, the Middle East and Africa. The job holder ensures the Pentagon's broad - and specific - policy imperatives are conveyed to foreign governments. The assistant secretary also helps approve weapons sales and manage relationships with foreign militaries.
Wallander will require Senate confirmation and, if approved, will report to Colin Kahl, the under secretary of Defense for policy.
