Washington D.C. | The Center for a Secure Free Society (SFS) proudly congratulates Joseph M. Humire — Executive Director — on his appointment as the U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Homeland Defense Integration and Defense Support of Civil Authorities.
Joseph has been at the helm of SFS since its inception as a program, to an independent center, and now as the leading national security think tank countering transnational and transregional threats in the Western Hemisphere. Under Joseph’s leadership, SFS has quadrupled its budget and staff, developed industry-leading research and analysis, and turned SFS into a go-to resource for many media members, policymakers, and defense and intelligence officials throughout the Americas.
“We wish Joseph the very best in his new role. His depth and breadth of knowledge on Hemispheric matters and homeland defense issues will be welcome at DoD. Having been mentored by the late Dr. Max Manwaring, Joseph’s understanding of asymmetric warfare, transnational threats, and the changing dynamics of the international security environment – make him an ideal policy leader in Homeland Defense and Defense Support of Civil Authorities.”
– Colonel Preston McLaughlin, USMC Ret., Chairman of the SFS Board of Directors
“Joseph consistently elevated the national security discussion about how we should properly view the Western Hemisphere and America’s role in a rapidly changing regional landscape. I have seen Joseph’s abilities and talents first-hand. Although he will be missed at the Center, I am confident Joseph will use his abilities to make America a safer place after assuming his new leadership role at the Pentagon and in the Trump administration.”
– Mark A. Walker, Member of the SFS Board of Directors
“Joseph is a recognized leader and expert in the security of the Western Hemisphere who will build historic America First security partnerships with our neighbors to further advance the defense of the homeland.”
– Dr. James Carafano, Senior Counselor to the President and E.W. Richardson Fellow, The Heritage Foundation
The strongest legacy of Joseph’s leadership is the team of research fellows and analysts who remain at SFS, committed to advancing freedom, sovereignty, and security throughout the Western Hemisphere. It is with this spirit that we are proud to announce that former SFS senior fellow, Leonardo Coutinho, will now serve as the executive director to lead the SFS research team into its next chapter.
“Taking on the interim leadership of SFS is an honor and a responsibility that I embrace with a commitment to preserving the impact of Joseph’s work. His appointment is a well-deserved recognition of his tireless dedication to U.S. national security and his unique ability to connect local threats to global dynamics. Joseph transformed SFS into a Hemispheric reference in strategic analysis. His new mission at DoD is a natural extension of this work.”
– Leonardo Coutinho, Executive Director, Center for a Secure Free Society
A proud combat veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps and a seasoned national security strategist, Mr. Humire has dedicated his career to advancing American interests and protecting the homeland. We are confident that Joseph will continue to do so in his new role as a policy leader at the Office of the Undersecretary of Defense for Policy appointed by and serving under President Donald Trump, Secretary Pete Hegseth, and Undersecretary Elbridge Colby.