Joseph Wawro SES

Joseph Wawro joined the Department of Homeland Security Joint Requirements Council as the Executive Director in 2019 and is a recognized senior leader in the requirements field. Prior to joining DHS’s Senior Executive Service, Joe served a distinguished 30-year career in the U.S. Army, during which he held several command and staff positions from platoon leader to brigade commander with combat tours in both Iraq and Afghanistan. He served as a Chief of Staff at the three- and four-star strategic level. His last duty assignment was as the Director for Defense, Policy, and Strategy at the National Security Council, the White House, forging key regional and functional national strategies. Director Wawro holds a Business degree from the University of Illinois, Masters degrees from the Naval War College and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, has completed numerous executive and general officer courses, and served as a Fellow for the Chief of Staff of the Army at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy. Mr. Wawro’s military award highlights include the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit; Bronze Star Medal; Meritorious Service Medal; Army Commendation Medal with “Valor” device, the Combat Action Badge, the Airborne Badge, Campaign medals, and many additional medals and awards.