Cofer Black
Director, CIA Counterterrorists Center (1999-2002), Coordinator for Counterterrorism & Ambassador at Large (2002-2004)
Cofer Black’s experience as a political spokesperson has given him the ease and talent with which he speaks publicly today
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Full Bio
Cofer Black’s experience as a political spokesperson has given him the ease and talent with which he speaks publicly today. At the podium, Black discusses his experiences on the front lines and explains terrorism by delving into the minds and motivations of the world’s deadliest terrorists, including Osama Bin Laden. Death threats, deadly operations, surviving the trenches of war and terror: Black discusses the events that impact all our lives and make his work legendary.
Working amidst terrorist plots and assassination attempts, Cofer Black’s life reads like a Hollywood spy movie. As a career C.I.A. counterterrorist operator, he consistently put his life on the line to protect the United States from terrorism. He was the Director of the CIA’s Counterterrorist Center from 1999 through the horror of September 11th and led the C.I.A.’s immediate worldwide retaliation against Al-Qaeda. He became the prominent figure in the manhunt for deadly terrorists. Operating throughout hostile territories in Africa, South Asia and the Middle East, Black and his fellow C.I.A. operators repeatedly faced death and bodily harm with bravery and determination.
Cofer Black is a defender of human rights, democracy and a hero in the war on terror. He held the position of Task Force Chair in the Near East and South Asia Division in 1995, the Deputy Chief of the Latin America Division from 1998 to 1999 and in 2002 was sworn in as the State Department Coordinator for Counterterrorism with the rank of Ambassador at Large. Prior to joining the State Department, CoferBlack was Director of the C.I.A. Counterterrorist Center and responsible for all counter-terrorist operations and analysis, fostering international relationships, and coordinating U.S. Government efforts to modify counterterrorism cooperation with foreign security services. During his C.I.A. career, Black served six foreign tours in field management positions focusing on counterterrorism, as well as addressing regional security issues, counterintelligence and covert action. Cofer Black also conceived, planned and led the CIA’s war in Afghanistan.
Cofer Black’s experience as a political spokesperson has given him the ease and talent with which he speaks publicly today. At the podium, Black discusses his experiences on the front lines and explains terrorism by delving into the minds and motivations of the world’s deadliest terrorists, including Osama Bin Laden. Death threats, deadly operations, surviving the trenches of war and terror: Black discusses the events that impact all our lives and make his work legendary.
After his resignation at the start of George W. Bush’s second term, Cofer Black served as Vice Chairman at Blackwater USA, leading the company to provide security training and tactical solutions for the 21st century. Most recently, Black became Chairman of Total Intelligence Solutions, a firm that provides Fortune 1000 companies with comprehensive solutions for private intelligence.
His work in the CIA is discussed in Bob Woodward’s Bush at War, Steve Coll’s Ghost Wars, and Gary Schroen’s, First In, on the war in Afghanistan. Billy Waugh’s book, Hunting the Jackal, illustrates the search for Carlos the Jackal, a terrorist Black was credited for bringing down in 1994.
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LITTLE RIVER BAND OF OTTAWA INDIANS
Our speaker was great and the crowd enjoyed her! She was very engaging. Thank you again PDA for the great list of suggestions!
MEDTRONIC
Everything went great! and our speaker was wonderful! Thank you so much for all your help PDA! Looking forward to the next one.
UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI – KANSAS CITY
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BAYLOR UNIVERSITY CAMPUS
We had a fantastic day with Inge! She was very engaging with all those that attended. Her personal stories about the holocaust were very special and we were moved that she was willing to share them with everyone. Thank you again, PDA for all your hard work and dedication to make this program such a success!
SALT LAKE COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Dear PDA Group, Thank you so much for your hard work in scheduling our speaker! From the moment we reached out to you the first time, you worked with us on all details and logistics and kept us up-to-date on the progress. Thank you for all your hard work on making our event such a success! We couldn't have done it without you and your team!
SAP COMPANY
Thank you again, Dr. Kimbrough, for a great presentation, our attendees are still talking about it!
CAMPUS LABS
Dr. Henry Lee's presentation was entertaining, insightful and wise. I, and everyone at Pfizer, especially appreciate the remarks you directed about following your passion and preparing yourself to excel. Thank you, everyone, at PDA for helping to make this happen!
PFIZER
The event was successful! I received many messages expressing how awesome, outstanding and inspiring Ms. Webb-Christburg's speech was."
DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. MEMORIAL BREAKFAST, BOSTON, MLK SPEAKER
Everything went well. Atsuko was very easy to work with and the students enjoyed her performance! Thank you again for your recommendation and I hope to work with you again in the future!
CENTRAL MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY
Dr. Novello left this morning after a very successful event on our campus! Thank you PDA Group for your help from the first phone to the last you were with us every step of the way.
GRAND VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY
Jordan Carlos was very very entertaining! A majority of students who answered the event survey indicated they really enjoyed Jordan and definitely will bring him back!
WESTERN CAROLINA UNIVERSITY
On behalf of myself and my organization Entertainment Unlimited the Campus Programming Board of Ferris State University, we thank you PDA and Dan for a successful event!! Dan was magnificent! Students really enjoyed the presentation. I know I did. Can't wait to bring in more programs with PDA Group.
FERRIS STATE UNIVERSITY
It was a great pleasure to work with PDA Group! The communication was always prompt, friendly and helpful. We loved the speakers and events we booked through Mr. Peter Walker (PDA Group).
WESTERN MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY
Thank you, Peter, for all your help, you'll be happy to know that the event went incredibly well! Aneesa Ferreira was by far one of the best speakers we've ever had!
FURMAN UNIVERSITY
Topics
Leadership in Crisis Situations: What Works
Terrorism: Past, Present & Future
What Business Needs to Know about Modern Terrorism
Videos
Operational Intelligence: Cofer Black on Leadership Lessons Learned and Speaking Truth to Power
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