Washington, D.C. | May 13, 2025 — The National Academy of Engineering (NAE) has announced the election of Admiral James O. Ellis Jr., USN (Ret.), as its new Chair of the NAE Council. The NAE Council is the governing body of the NAE with oversight for general policies and programs and all funds administered by the NAE.
A member of the NAE since 2013, Admiral Ellis is widely recognized for his leadership in the military, energy, aerospace, and national security sectors, as well as his contributions to global nuclear safety.
Admiral Ellis is currently the Annenberg Distinguished Visiting Fellow at the Hoover Institution at Stanford University, where he directs both the Global Policy and Strategy Initiative and the George P. Shultz Energy Policy Working Group. His election to Chair of the NAE marks the latest step in a career dedicated to public service, innovation, and engineering excellence.
“Admiral Ellis is a proven leader whose deep expertise and principled service across sectors make him ideally suited to help guide the NAE’s strategic priorities,” stated John L. Anderson, president of the National Academy of Engineering. “He brings to this role an exceptional record of achievement and a steadfast commitment to applying engineering to solve society’s most pressing challenges.”
Reflecting on his appointment, Admiral Ellis said, “I am honored to serve as Chair of the National Academy of Engineering. In a time of rapid technological change and global uncertainty, the role of engineers has never been more critical. Together, we will advance engineering solutions that improve lives, strengthen our nation, and safeguard our shared future.”
Admiral Ellis retired from the United States Navy in 2004 after 39 years of service, including command roles such as Commander of the United States Strategic Command. Following his military career, he served as president and chief executive officer of the Institute of Nuclear Power Operations (INPO), where he oversaw safety and reliability standards across the commercial nuclear energy industry.
He holds a Master of Science in aerospace engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology and is a graduate of the United States Naval Academy. His career includes extensive operational and leadership experience, including serving as commanding officer of the nuclear-powered USS Abraham Lincoln, leading contingency operations in the Taiwan Strait, and directing U.S. and NATO forces during the Kosovo crisis.
In addition to his professional achievements, Admiral Ellis has served on numerous corporate and nonprofit boards, including Lockheed Martin Corporation, Dominion Energy, and the Space Foundation. He previously chaired the Users’ Advisory Group to the Vice President’s National Space Council from 2018 to 2022.
National Academy of Engineering
Founded in 1964, NAE advances the welfare and prosperity of the nation by providing independent advice on matters involving engineering and technology, and by promoting a vibrant engineering profession and public appreciation of engineering. The NAE is part of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, an independent, nonprofit organization chartered by Congress to provide objective analysis and advice to the nation on matters of science, technology, and health.
Hoover Institution, Stanford University
With its eminent scholars and world-renowned Library & Archives, the Hoover Institution at Stanford University is a public-policy think tank that seeks to improve the human condition by advancing ideas that promote economic opportunity and prosperity while securing and safeguarding peace for America and all mankind.
