CNAS Middle East Program Director Jonathan Lord to Join Office of Senator Angela Alsobrooks as National Security Advisor

Washington, April 17, 2025 — The Center for a New American Security (CNAS) announces that Jonathan Lord, senior fellow and director of the Middle East Security Program, will join Senator Angela Alsobrooks’ office as national security advisor.

During his tenure at CNAS, Lord has played a key role in shaping the national conversation around U.S. defense posture in the Middle East, providing timely analysis and trusted counsel to policymakers, media, and the public, especially in the wake of the October 7th attacks.

“Jonathan brought great depth and practical insight to his work here at the Center,” said Richard Fontaine, chief executive officer of CNAS. “We celebrate his transition back to public service and look forward to working with him in his new capacity.”

Drawing on his extensive government background, Lord joins Senator Alsobrooks’ team with significant credentials. Prior to CNAS, Lord served as a professional staff member on the House Armed Services Committee, managing the U.S. Central Command and Middle East defense policy portfolio. He also held roles in the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Policy, supported the Department of Homeland Security, and served two temporary diplomatic assignments at the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad at the request of the U.S. Ambassador to Iraq.

For more information, please contact [email protected].