The Hon. William J. Burns to Receive 2025 William Oliver Baker Award
ARLINGTON, VA (February 3, 2025)– The Intelligence and National Security Alliance (INSA) is pleased to announce The Hon. William J. Burns, former Director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and career ambassador, as the recipient of the 2025 William Oliver Baker Award. Presented annually, the award recognizes a senior leader for exceptional contributions to U.S. intelligence and national security. Mr. Burns will be honored at the 40th Baker Award Dinner on Saturday, July 26, at the Omni Shoreham hotel in Washington, D.C.
As the eighth director of the CIA (2021–2025), Mr. Burns led the agency through significant global challenges. Among his many achievements, was the historic decision to declassify and publicly share intelligence revealing Russia’s plans to invade Ukraine. This unprecedented action disrupted Russia’s disinformation efforts, strengthened allied unity, and allowed the U.S. and its ally partners to respond decisively before the invasion began.
Mr. Burns also prioritized countering the geopolitical and technological challenges posed by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). He established the CIA’s China Mission Center, expanded hiring and training for more Mandarin-speaking officers, and accelerated the agency’s adoption of AI and emerging technologies.
“Bill’s leadership exemplified what it means to rise to the moment in a rapidly evolving world," said Letitia A. Long, INSA Chairwoman. "His focus on building trust—whether with allies, partners, or CIA officers in the field—helped strengthen relationships and drive meaningful progress in addressing critical national security challenges. Bill approaches every decision with humility, integrity, and a clear sense of purpose. We are honored to celebrate his remarkable career and the lasting impact of his service."
Mr. Burns holds rank of Career Ambassador, the highest rank in the U.S. Foreign Service, and is one of only two career diplomats in history to serve as Deputy Secretary of State (2011-2014). Over his 33 years of distinguished diplomatic service, he held numerous senior leadership roles including Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs (2008-2011); U.S. Ambassador to Russia (2005-2008); Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs (2001 to 2005) and U.S. Ambassador to Jordan (1998-2001).
From 2014 to 2021, he served as president of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. Reflecting on his career and this honor, Mr. Burns said, “I am deeply honored by the Baker Award, which I look forward to accepting on behalf of the people who most deserve it—the remarkable women and men of CIA.”
He has received three Presidential Distinguished Service Awards and the highest civilian honors from the Pentagon and the U.S. Intelligence Community. Mr. Burns is the author of the best-selling book, The Back Channel: A Memoir of American Diplomacy and the Case for Its Renewal. He earned a bachelor’s degree in history from LaSalle University and master’s and doctoral degrees in international relations from Oxford University, where he was a Marshall Scholar.
The Baker Award recognizes individuals who made sustained contributions or single achievements of extraordinary merit to the intelligence and national security affairs of the United States. Previous recipients include former NSA Director General Paul M. Nakasone, USA (Ret), U.S. Cyber Command Deputy Commander Vince Stewart, and former Secretary of Homeland Security Gov. Tom Ridge. The Award Selection Committee is comprised of members from INSA’s board of directors.
