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Deputy Secretary of DefenseKathleen H. Hicks

Deputy Defense Secretary Kathleen H. Hicks

The deputy secretary of defense is in charge of the Defense Department's day-to-day business. The primary responsibility is managing the defense budget and executing the defense secretary's priorities.

About

Kathleen H. Hicks is the 35th deputy secretary of defense, sworn in on Feb. 9, 2021. Most recently, she served as senior vice president and director of the international security program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. Previously, she served in varying leadership roles within DOD, including principal deputy undersecretary of defense for policy, leading the development of the 2012 Defense Strategic Guidance.

Full Biography

Deputy Secretary of Defense Photos

Check out photos of Deputy Secretary of Defense Hicks as she takes care of business and keeps the department running.

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Photos

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Leaders

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Office of the Secretary of Defense

Top civilian defense decision-makers work with the secretary to develop policy, operational and fiscal plans, manage resources and evaluate programs.