STANDING OVATION: Linwood Ham

Mr. Linwood Ham, the U.S. Indo-Pacific Principal with the Advising & Consulting (A&C) Division, joined the Institute for Security Governance (ISG) in October 2017. During his time at ISG, he has provided leadership and guidance on a wide array of ISG programs and initiatives. Notable among his many accomplishments has been his effort with the ICB Smart Sheet Tiger Teams, which produced a valuable series of resources for the ICB community of practice. According to Mr. Ham, “It was my first time participating in a project that drew from experts within each part of ISG. I am grateful to work with amazing colleagues, who have given their precious time to create the Smart Sheet Tiger Team process and products.” ?

When asked about ISG’s growth potential, Mr. Ham noted that – as ISG continues to fill critical positions and has a champion in Defense Security Cooperation University (DSCU) President Dr. Celeste Ward Gventer – the Institute has an opportunity to better integrate its advising, functional, and education services. In Mr. Ham’s view, seamless and routine integration of all ISG capabilities, where it makes sense, would strengthen the Department of Defense's capacity building efforts to meet our national security needs. ?

When asked what he brings to the role of an A&C Principal, Mr. Ham said he aspires to represent ISG’s Resident and Non-Resident Advising work within the Defense Security Cooperation Agency and before Security Cooperation stakeholders; to work within ISG to ensure the efforts of all are mutually supporting; and notably, to “roll up my sleeves and assume burdens” so Regional Program Leads may focus on the work. Mr. Ham holds strongly to the principle of personal accountability and, as his colleagues regularly attest, continually sets an example as a leader and mentor.?

Prior to joining ISG, Mr. Ham worked at the United States Institute of Peace (USIP), where he led inter-organizational projects on addressing fragile states; understanding risks to U.S. front line diplomats and development professionals; and UN peacekeeping reform. Mr. Ham spent 24 years in the U.S. Army, and more than 12 years developing, executing, and assessing national policy directives, and U.S. Department of Defense and U.S. Department of State strategies and plans. He held various posts throughout his distinguished career in the Western Hemisphere, including as the Chief of the U.S. Office of Defense Cooperation at the U.S. Embassy in Mexico City and as a Security Assistance Officer in the U.S. Embassy in Colombia. ?

Mr. Ham received a Bachelor of Science in International Affairs from the U.S. Military Academy and a Master of Arts in Latin American Studies from the University of Texas at Austin. Additionally, he is a graduate of the U.S. Army School of Advanced Military Studies and the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College resident program, where he earned the Strategist designation. He was also a U.S. Army War College Fellow at the Institute for the Study of Diplomacy at Georgetown University. ?