Longest Serving DARPA Chief, Tether, Joins Council on Competitiveness as Distinguished Fellow

WASHINGTON—The Council on Competitiveness is honored to welcome Dr. Anthony “Tony” Tether as a distinguished fellow. Tether earned distinction as the longest serving director of the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), where he served from 2001-2009. He boasts more than 40 years of industrial and government experience in science and technology policy and in the creation of new technology that has enhanced the nation’s economic development.

“Dr. Tether is one of the world’s top minds in technological development, and we are thrilled to have his active participation at the Council on Competitiveness,” said Deborah L. Wince-Smith, president of the Council. “His extensive work in creating cutting-edge technology has served to give the U.S. a competitive advantage in the global economy.”

As director of DARPA, Tether oversaw nearly $20 billion in investments for new technology to enhance economic security and the U.S. military’s mission. Upon leaving the agency, he received the Department of Defense Medal for Outstanding Public Service for his many efforts and contributions from Secretary of Defense Robert Gates.

Throughout his career, Tether has played a critical leadership role in the development of landmark technological achievements, including creating communications networks that do not require infrastructure, such as towers; accelerating the development and production of medical therapeutics and vaccines from years to months; developing non-food sources to produce fuels for aircraft and thus reducing reliance on petroleum; and designing, manufacturing and marketing geo-positioning satellite (GPS) receivers to identify the location of aircraft, vehicles and individuals.

Tether currently serves as CEO and president of the Sequoia Group, where he develops business plans for obtaining technology and programs for both government and industrial clients. He has served on the board of directors for several companies, as well as the Army Science Board and the Defense Science Board.