Dr. Robert Kadlec is the Assistant Secretary of War for Nuclear Deterrence, Chemical, and Biological Defense, Policy and Programs. In this capacity, Dr. Kadlec is the principal civilian advisor to the Secretary of War for nuclear deterrence policies, operations, and associated programs and is responsible for overall supervision of nuclear deterrence policy, resources, and activities of the Department of War. Dr. Kadlec advises and assists the Secretary of War, Deputy Secretary of War, Under Secretary of War for Policy, and the Under Secretary of War for Acquisition and Sustainment on matters relating to nuclear deterrence and defense against chemical, biological, and other weapons of mass destruction. He also serves as the Nuclear Weapons Council Staff Director and Executive Secretary to the Biodefense Council.

From August 2017 to January 2021, Dr. Kadlec served as the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (ASPR) at the Department of Health and Human Services. In this position, he led a response organization of over 800 personnel, overseeing the nation’s preparedness for and response to public health emergencies. In 2020, Dr. Kadlec led Operation Warp Speed, the Government’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, accelerating the development of therapeutic solutions and vaccines. In his capacity as ASPR, he managed a budget of $75 billion.

Previously, Dr. Kadlec served as the Majority Deputy Staff Director for the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence (SSCI). He has also held multiple senior roles on the White House Homeland Security Council staff, including Special Assistant to the President and Senior Director for Biodefense Policy from 2007 to 2009. From 2002 to 2005, he was the Director for Biodefense Preparedness and Response, where he was co-author of the National Biodefense Strategy.

Prior to his White House appointments, Dr. Kadlec was the staff director for the U.S. Senate Subcommittee on Bioterrorism and Public Health Preparedness, where he was instrumental in drafting the Pandemic and All-Hazard Preparedness Act of 2006. His career also includes service
as a Special Advisor for Counterproliferation Policy in the Office of the Secretary of Defense following the 9/11 attacks, a professor at the National War College, and a U.N. Special Commission (UNSCOM) weapons inspector in Iraq. Dr. Kadlec served in the United States Air
Force for 26 years as a career officer and physician, retiring as a Colonel. His military service included roles as a Flight Surgeon for the 16th Special Operations Wing and Special Assistant to the J2 for Chemical and Biological Warfare for the Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC). 

Dr. Kadlec is a distinguished graduate of the United States Air Force Academy. He received his Doctorate of Medicine and a Master's in Tropical Medicine and Hygiene from the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences. He also holds a Master's degree in National Security
Studies from Georgetown University. Dr. Kadlec was named the USAF Flight Surgeon of the Year in 1986 and is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations.