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��������’s  proudly congratulates General (Ret.) Michael V. Hayden on his induction as a 2025 Fellow of the National Academy of Public Administration (NAPA). This prestigious honor recognizes outstanding contributions to the advancement of public service, and Hayden’s selection underscores his lifelong commitment to leadership, integrity, and national security.

A Distinguished Visiting Professor at the Schar School, Hayden is the founder and namesake of the  where he continues to shape the next generation of public servants through his teaching, mentorship, and informative live events.

Hayden joins other Schar School faculty members as NAPA Academy Fellows, including University Professors Emeritus ,  and ; Professor  and Associate Professor ; and Visiting Professor of Public Policy David Brunori.

“I’ve spent my professional life in organizations where mission, service, and integrity matter deeply—the U.S. Intelligence Community and the United States Air Force,” Hayden said. “The National Academy of Public Administration embodies those same values, and I’m grateful for the privilege of being named a Fellow. I look forward to contributing to the Academy’s important work.”

Hayden brings to George Mason an extraordinary record of leadership and public service spanning more than four decades at the highest levels of government. A retired four-star Air Force general, he is the only person ever to have led both the CIA and the National Security Agency, overseeing some of the most complex intelligence and national security operations in U.S. history. 

His career has been defined by a steadfast commitment to protecting the nation while advancing transparency, accountability, and professionalism within the intelligence community. At the Schar School, he continues to share that experience and perspective with students, faculty, and policymakers, enriching the university’s role as a leader in public policy and national security education.

“Congratulations to our founder General Michael V. Hayden on his induction as a NAPA fellow,” said Hayden Center Executive Director . “NAPA has recognized something we here have known for years—that General Hayden is one of our nation’s most respected leaders and insightful minds, and a voice for pragmatic, practical solutions to our most vexing challenges. Our country will benefit from his participation in this program.” 

Election to NAPA is one of the highest professional honors in the field of public administration, recognizing leaders who have made significant and sustained contributions to the effectiveness of government. Hayden joins a distinguished class of new Fellows whose expertise and service exemplify the academy’s mission to build a more effective, accountable, and transparent government.

Founded in 1967 and chartered by Congress, the National Academy of Public Administration is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to improving the effectiveness, efficiency, and accountability of government. NAPA brings together top public administration professionals—scholars, practitioners, and leaders—to tackle the nation’s most pressing management and policy challenges and to strengthen the institutions of American governance.