The Nuclear Threat Initiative (NTI) announced it has elected Christine Wormuth, former Secretary of the Army, as the organization’s new president and CEO.
Wormuth will take over the position on Nev. 17. Adm. Mike Mullen, who led the search, made the announcement on behalf of NTI’s Board of Directors and three co-chairs, including founders Sam Nunn and Ted Turner, as well as outgoing CEO Ernest J. Moniz. Moniz will continue to serve as co-chair of the board.
Wormuth served as Secretary of the Army from 2021 to 2025 and brings with her an extensive record of leadership and service at the Department of Defense, the White House and several prominent think tanks.
“I’m honored to join NTI and follow in the footsteps of both Ernie Moniz and Sam Nunn, whose leadership delivered lasting, tangible results,” she said. “NTI’s mission to reduce global nuclear, biological, and emerging technology threats is more vital than ever. I’m excited to lead this exceptional team as it builds on NTI’s legacy and helps shape a safer, more resilient future.”
NTI is a nonprofit, nonpartisan global security organization focused on reducing nuclear, biological, and emerging technology threats imperiling humanity. The organization will celebrate is 25th anniversary in 2026. Wormuth will be NTI’s third CEO following Nunn and Moniz.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Christine as NTI’s new leader,” Nunn said. “Her deep national security experience and trusted leadership make her the right person for this moment. Ted and I are deeply grateful to Ernie for his outstanding leadership—he’s left NTI stronger than ever, and I’m confident Christine will build on that legacy.”
Wormuth comes to the organization with more than 30 years of experience in defense policy, strategic planning and international security. She most recently was the first woman to hold the position of Secretary of the U.S. Army, and oversaw a $186 billion budget while being responsible for nearly a million soldiers and 300,000 civilian employees.