Lori Abele serves as the Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary of War for South and Southeast Asia. In this capacity, she acts as the senior career advisor to top leadership within the Department of Defense, providing guidance on all policy matters associated with the formulation and execution of defense strategies and plans for South and Southeast Asia.

From 2015 to 2021, Ms. Abele held the position of Director for Southeast Asia in the Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense (DASD) for South and Southeast Asia. Before this role, she was the Chief of Staff to the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Strategy, Plans, and Capabilities from 2012 to 2015. Her experience also includes serving as the Director for North American Affairs on the National Security Council staff in the Office of Western Hemisphere Affairs and as the Team Leader for Mexico and Canada.

Earlier in her career, Ms. Abele was with the Defense Security Cooperation Agency. She has also held positions in the Office of the DASD for Strategy, the Defense Plans Division of the U.S. Mission to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, and the Office of International Negotiations and Regional Affairs. Ms. Abele currently serves on Policy’s Career Development Board.

Ms. Abele holds a Master’s degree in Security Policy Studies from The George Washington University and a Bachelor’s degree in International Relations and Political Science from the University of Arkansas. She is a graduate of the Department of Defense Executive Leadership Development Program. Ms. Abele is a recipient of the Secretary of Defense Meritorious Civilian Service Medal (2005), Secretary of Defense Exceptional Civilian Service Medal (2005-2009, 2017), Secretary of Defense Special Achievement Award (2020, 2021), and Office of the Secretary of Defense Award for Excellence (2003-2004 and 2005).