Senior Leadership Moves at CIA

The Deputy Director of the CIA, Stephen R. Kappes, is going to be retiring next month. Kappes first joined the CIA in 1981 for his first tour. He was the associate deputy director for operations for counterintelligence during 9/11. He was named as the Deputy Director in May of 2006 for his second tour.

Michael Morrell will be filling his shoes as the new Deputy Director. Morrell is a 30-year-old veteran of the CIA and understands the organization very well, according to Director of the CIA Leon Panetta.

Panetta commented on Kappes retirement by saying, “Steve is a one-of-a-kind professional who was dedicated himself to the CIA. He has helped me tremendously in guiding this great organization. Having worked side-by-side on some of the toughest issues around I’m proud to call him a friend.”

Director Panneta continued to comment on Kappes leaving the CIA and said, “Throughout his life, Steve has put the needs of others first, as he did in returning to the CIA in the summer of 2006. He hadn’t planned on so length a stay this time around. So when he told me a few months ago that it was time for him to move, I understood.”

Due to this transition, Fran Moore will move into the role of Director for Intelligence. She has been with the CIA since 1983.