Communications
Hall of Fame - John Michael McConnell
Graduating from Wade Hampton High School in 1962, Vice Admiral Mike McConnell attended North Greenville Jr. College and Furman University. His career has spanned over 50 years, focusing on international and foreign intelligence issues. His 29-year career as a US Navy Intelligence Officer included significant assignments that impacted national security. During Operation Desert Storm, Vice Admiral McConnell served as Intelligence Officer for General Colin Powell and Secretary of Defense Dick Cheney. From 1992 to 1996, he served as the Director of the National Security Agency under Presidents George H.W. Bush and William J. Clinton. He served as a member of the White House National Security Council for two years under Presidents Bush and Obama. Since 2014, Vice Admiral McConnell has served on the Board of Directors to a number of start-up companies to develop new technology and capabilities for improved cyber security posture. In addition to having been awarded many of the nation's highest military awards for meritorious service, Vice Admiral McConnell has twice received the National Intelligence Distinguished Service Medal, the nation's highest award for service in the US Intelligence Community.