Peter W. Chiarelli
General Peter W. Chiarelli, United States Army General (Retired)
General Peter W. Chiarelli is President of the Robert M. Gates Global Policy Center (GGPC) which promotes data supported policy recommendations that are designed to amass bipartisan support for solutions to some of the most pressing national security issues facing the nation. The GGPC is focused on rebuilding the United States non-kinetic elements of power. To date, it has published reports that advance recommendations for revitalizing U.S. Strategic Communications, Developmental Aid, and Economic Statecraft. In addition, he consults with several defense company start-ups, primarily in the Veteran health care space, attempting to bring cutting edge therapies to Veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress (PTS) and traumatic brain injury (TBI). His passion is finding ways to lower the instance of Veteran suicides.
General Chiarelli dedicated nearly 40 years of service to the United States. As Commander of the Multi-National-Corps-Iraq in 2006, Chiarelli coordinated the actions of all four military services and was responsible for the day-to-day combat operations of more than 147,000 U.S. and Coalition troops.
From March 2007 to August 2008, Chiarelli was the Senior Military Assistant to the Secretary of Defense Robert Gates. During this time, Chiarelli pioneered efforts to restore government and economic stability as well as essential services during two tours in Iraq; exercised command and control of combat operations; and trained, prepared, and mobilized reserve forces for critical response operations.
While serving as the 32nd Vice Chief of Staff between 2008-2012, Chiarelli led the daily operations of the Army and its 1.1 million soldiers, both active and reserve. It was during this time that General Chiarelli advanced the efforts of the Department of Defense on PTS, TBI, and suicide prevention. He retired from the Army in 2012.
In March 2012, General Chiarelli continued his advocacy on brain health and became the first CEO of One Mind, a not-for-profit organization advocating for and facilitating scientific and medical advancement to accelerate effective, lasting treatment for brain disease and injury, as well as reducing stigma.
Along with leading the organization’s strategic initiatives, he worked expeditiously with members in the government, corporate, scientific, and philanthropic communities to significantly accelerate large scale research for brain illnesses and injuries through Open Science data sharing and collaboration. His recent achievements include leading One Mind’s support of the TRACK-TBI research collaboration by aiding TRACK-TBI in its progress towards obtaining FDA approval of biologically based biomarkers for TBI. Although General Chiarelli retired as CEO, he continues to advocate for this critical work.
In 2013, Chiarelli received the Patriot Award, the Congressional Medal of Honor Society's highest honor, for his work to aid service men and women, as well as their families suffering from the invisible wounds of war.
Chiarelli holds a Bachelor of Science in Political Science from Seattle University, a Master of Public Administration from the Daniel J. Evans School of Public Affairs at the University of Washington, and a Master of Arts in National Security and Strategy from Salve Regina University. He is also a graduate of the College of Naval Command and Staff and the National War College.
Chiarelli is the Chairman of the NFL Scientific Advisory Board and a member of the Board of Advisors - UCLA Operation Mend.