Christy Abizaid will be stepping down as the director of the National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC) after three years in the role. She will be replaced by Brett Holmgren, the current director of the Bureau of Intelligence and Research (INR) at the State Department. Abizaid was the first woman and openly gay person to lead the NCTC, having started her career at the Defense Intelligence Agency’s Joint Intelligence Task Force Combating Terrorism.
The NCTC, housed in the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, serves as the government’s main counterterrorism analysis hub. It collects and analyzes data on known and suspected terrorists, working closely with other American agencies such as the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security. Abizaid described the NCTC’s primary role as connecting the dots, identifying threats, and disrupting transnational linkages to prevent terrorist activities.
Established in the aftermath of 9/11, the NCTC will celebrate its 20th anniversary in August. Abizaid emphasized the center’s continued relevance in an “elevated global threat environment.” Holmgren, who will take over as acting director, has a background in counterterrorism analysis at the Defense Intelligence Agency and has served in senior roles at the CIA and the National Security Council during the Obama administration.
Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines praised Abizaid as an exceptional leader and expressed confidence in Holmgren’s ability to lead the NCTC. Lisa Kenna, who most recently served as U.S. Ambassador to Peru, will take over as acting director of the INR at the State Department. These leadership changes come as the U.S. faces ongoing threats from terrorism and evolving security challenges.
The NCTC plays a crucial role in national security efforts by analyzing intelligence, identifying threats, and coordinating responses across government agencies. Abizaid’s tenure as director has been marked by her effective leadership and dedication to counterterrorism efforts. Holmgren will now take on the responsibility of leading the NCTC and continuing its mission of protecting the United States from terrorist threats in an increasingly complex global landscape.
