Kathleen Hicks is an American political scientist and government official who served as the 35th Deputy Secretary of Defense from February 9, 2021, to January 20, 2025. She made history as the first woman to hold this position in the United States Department of Defense. Throughout her career, Hicks has been recognized for her expertise in defense policy, strategic planning, and national security, contributing significantly to shaping U.S. defense strategies and policies.
Early Life and Education
Born on September 25, 1970, in Fairfield, California, Kathleen Anne Holland Hicks demonstrated an early interest in politics and public service. She graduated magna cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa from Mount Holyoke College in 1991 with a Bachelor of Arts in history and politics. Hicks furthered her education by earning a Master of Public Administration from the University of Maryland in 1993. She completed her academic journey with a Ph.D. in political science from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 2010, focusing on defense policy and strategy.
Career in Government Service
Hicks began her career in public service in 1993 as a Presidential Management Fellow in the Office of the Secretary of Defense. Over the next 13 years, she rose through the ranks, eventually becoming a member of the Senior Executive Service. Her roles included serving as Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Strategy, Plans, and Forces, and Principal Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Policy during the Obama administration. In these positions, she played a pivotal role in developing the 2010 Quadrennial Defense Review and the 2012 Defense Strategic Guidance, which outlined the U.S. military’s strategic direction and priorities.
Academic and Research Contributions
From 2006 to early 2009, Hicks served as a senior fellow at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), where she led various national security research projects. She also held the position of Senior Vice President, Henry A. Kissinger Chair, and Director of the International Security Program at CSIS. In addition to her work at CSIS, Hicks served as a Donald Marron Scholar at the Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced International Studies, contributing to academic discourse on defense and security issues.
Deputy Secretary of Defense
In December 2020, President-elect Joe Biden nominated Hicks to serve as Deputy Secretary of Defense, and she was confirmed by the Senate in February 2021. As the Deputy Secretary, Hicks was responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the Department of Defense, making her the highest-ranking woman in the department’s history. She led initiatives to modernize the U.S. military, including the Replicator program, which aimed to accelerate the development and deployment of autonomous systems to counter emerging threats, particularly from China. Hicks also played a key role in integrating commercial space capabilities into military operations and addressing climate change within defense strategies.
Leadership During Transition Periods
During her tenure, Hicks demonstrated leadership during critical periods. In January 2024, she temporarily assumed the duties of the Secretary of Defense while Lloyd Austin was hospitalized. She again took on these responsibilities in February 2024 during another hospitalization of Secretary Austin. Her ability to manage the department during these times underscored her competence and readiness to lead the Department of Defense.
Challenges and Public Scrutiny
In April 2023, Hicks faced public scrutiny during an interview with comedian Jon Stewart, who questioned her about the military defense budget and spending priorities. Hicks acknowledged past shortcomings in spending but emphasized the current administration’s efforts to address these issues. The exchange highlighted ongoing debates about defense spending and the need for accountability within the Department of Defense.
Personal Life
Hicks is married to Thomas W. Hicks, and they have three children. She is the daughter of U.S. Rear Admiral William J. Holland. Throughout her career, Hicks has been committed to public service and has been recognized for her contributions to national security and defense policy.
Legacy and Impact
Kathleen Hicks’ tenure as Deputy Secretary of Defense marked a significant milestone in the history of the Department of Defense. As the first woman to hold this position, she broke barriers and set a precedent for future generations of women in government service. Her work in modernizing defense strategies, integrating new technologies, and addressing global security challenges has left a lasting impact on U.S. defense policy.