Mary Beth Long Named Wilson Center’s Inaugural Reynolds Family Fellow for Global Security

WASHINGTON–The Honorable Mary Beth Long joined the Wilson Center as the inaugural Reynolds Family Fellow for Global Security. 

The Reynolds Family Fellowship for Global Security was established to advance the study and understanding of global security challenges. It will lead research initiatives and engage in public dialogue to address complex security issues and inform actionable ideas. This fellowship supports the Wilson Center’s mission of providing independent research and open dialogue on critical global issues.

“Today's global issues profoundly impact the daily lives of Americans and our allies, transcending traditional geographic and topical boundaries,” said Ambassador Mark A. Green, president and CEO of the Wilson Center. “Challenges such as rising antisemitism, adversarial media campaigns, and the rapid evolution of technology, including AI and drone technology, pose new threats to national and personal security. Mary Beth’s exceptional career and expertise make her an outstanding choice to launch this fellowship.”

“When we envisaged this role, The Honorable Mary Beth Long epitomized all of the leadership qualities the fellowship required: deep expertise, proven leadership in defense and national security and utmost professional integrity. We are confident that her work at the Wilson Center will yield insights and solutions that will have a lasting impact on global security," says Dr. Álvaro Salas-Castro, president and CEO of the Reynolds Foundation.

Ms. Long is an expert with nearly four decades of experience in defense and national security issues and has served as Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs in the Office of the Secretary of Defense as well as Chair of NATO’s High-Level Group, its nuclear policy body reporting directly to the Secretary General NATO.  She was the first female to serve in both roles.  She holds a JD from Washington and Lee School of Law and is currently engaged in a number of negotiations on sensitive global issues worldwide.