Gen. Richardson replaces former NATO Supreme Allied Commander Admiral James Stavridis, joining retired Marine Corps General Anthony Zinni to lead group of nearly 270 military leaders

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, the U.S. Global Leadership Coalition (USGLC) announced that General Laura J. Richardson, U.S. Army (Ret.), who served as the Commander of U.S. Southern Command from 2021 until her retirement last month, has been named the new Co-Chair of USGLC’s National Security Advisory Council (NSAC). With decades of exceptional military leadership around the world, Gen. Richardson understands what is takes to keep America safe, secure, and prosperous.

“Working alongside General Anthony Zinni as Co-Chair of USGLC’s NSAC over the past 12 years has been an incredible honor,” said Admiral James Stavridis. “As I step down, I can think of no one better to carry this mission forward than General Laura Richardson—a trailblazer and warfighter who understands that military might alone is not enough to keep America safe and secure.”

“Admiral Stavridis is a singular leader who has helped scores of policymakers better understand why America cannot afford to retreat from the global arena,” said General Anthony Zinni. “While I will miss working with him dearly, I’m thrilled to now welcome General Laura Richardson whose dedication and fresh perspective will immediately enrich our mission.”

As a former Army aviator who commanded an assault helicopter battalion in the 101^st Airborne Division in Iraq, General Richardson shattered barriers and set an example for future generations of service members. Rising to the rank of General, she has held multiple high-profile commands, including serving as the Deputy Commanding General of U.S. Army Forces Command and the first woman to ever lead U.S. Southern Command. In this capacity, she oversaw military operations and partnerships across Central and South America and the Caribbean, to promote regional stability, keep Americans safe, strengthen local governance, counter illicit trafficking, and support disaster preparedness and response efforts.

“Today’s global challenges—from rising geopolitical tensions to transnational threats—demand bold, integrated solutions,” said General Laura Richardson. “On the global stage, ‘Team USA’ must be led by our diplomats and development professionals, with military measures serving as a last resort. To safeguard democracy and effectively address the root causes of rising instability, we must pair the capabilities of our Armed Forces with strategic investments in effective diplomacy, development, and stabilization efforts led by civilian national security agencies like the State Department and USAID. Only through this balanced, collaborative approach can we build a safer, more prosperous future for America.”

The USGLC’s NSAC includes nearly 270 retired three- and four-star generals and admirals, representing all six branches of the Armed Forces. These respected leaders are united in their commitment to advancing America’s safety and security—leveraging all the aspects of national power, including a strong defense alongside strategic investments in development and diplomacy.

“General Richardson has committed her life to serving our nation in uniform—from flying Black Hawk helicopters in Iraq to leading our military operations as SOUTHCOM Commander,” said Liz Schrayer, USGLC President and CEO. “As her extraordinary military career ends, a new mission now begins, to help policymakers understand how cost-effective investments in diplomacy and development, alongside defense, can make America safer, stronger, and more prosperous.”

Gen. Richardson’s appointment as Co-Chair of the NSAC underscores the USGLC’s commitment to bringing together top military leaders to advocate for a comprehensive national security strategy. With her expertise and dedication, Gen. Richardson will undoubtedly make a significant impact in advancing America’s global leadership and safeguarding our national interests.

USGLC’s NSAC members include former CIA Director General David Petraeus, former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Joseph Dunford, former CENTCOM Commander General Joseph Votel, former ISAF Commander General Stanley McChrystal, former USPACOM Commander Admiral Harry Harris, former NATO Supreme Allied Commander General Philip Breedlove, former White House National Security Advisor Lt. General H.R. McMaster, and others who can be found on our full list here.