The Honorable Lloyd J. Austin III, Former Secretary of Defense, Returns to Carnegie Corporation of New York’s Board of Trustees
Austin rejoins Carnegie’s board following service as U.S. Secretary of Defense
Jun 5, 2025
New York, NY, June 5, 2025 — Following a unanimous vote, Carnegie Corporation of New York’s board of trustees announced today that the former Secretary of Defense, Lloyd J. Austin III, has rejoined the board for a four-year term.
Austin was first elected to Carnegie’s board in 2016 after retiring from the military and served until 2021. He stepped down to serve as the 28th Secretary of Defense of the United States from 2021 until 2025, the first African American to hold the position.
“Secretary Lloyd Austin is one of the country’s most distinguished leaders and a man of humility, who exemplifies the democratic ideals of service and dedication to one’s country,” said Janet L. Robinson, chair of the board of trustees. “We are honored to welcome him back to the Carnegie board of trustees. Our grantmaking goals, especially in international peace and security, will benefit from his decades of experience and wise counsel.”
“During his previous tenure on our board, Secretary Austin was a guiding force whose presence has had a lasting impact,” said Dame Louise Richardson, president of Carnegie. “He leads with integrity, a quiet strength, and a commitment to service that commands the respect of all who know him. We are fortunate to have Secretary Austin back.”
Over a 41-year military career, Austin rose to the rank of four-star general and served as the 12th commander of United States Central Command (CENTCOM), overseeing U.S. military operations across the Middle East and Central and South Asia.
As Secretary of Defense under President Joe Biden, Austin reinforced relationships with allies, led major programs to modernize the military, and oversaw historic reforms in the military justice system to address sexual assaults. In 2022, he established the Ukraine Defense Contact Group, a coalition of more than 50 nations coordinating military assistance in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. In the Middle East, he worked to achieve a significant ceasefire and hostage deal between Israel and Hamas.
A West Point graduate, Austin also holds an MA in education from Auburn University and an MBA from Webster University. He has served on the boards of Auburn University, Nucor Corporation, Tenet Healthcare, and Raytheon Technologies.
Read Austin’s full bio here.
