Michele Rigby Assad joined the CIA in January 2002 and spent a decade working as an undercover intelligence officer in the Directorate of Operations. Specializing in counterterrorism and counterintelligence, Michele worked in Iraq as well as other secret Middle Eastern locations. To date, Michele has lived in six countries in the Near East region and traveled to more than forty-five others. Please join us on May 10th as Michele shares her personal stories of struggle and fear while maintaining her courage under fire.
Michele is an inspirational speaker, trainer, and international security consultant focused on the Middle East, North Africa and Europe. Her bestselling book was released February 2018 and it is called Breaking Cover: My Secret Life in the CIA and What it Taught Me About What’s Worth Fighting For. She has been featured on ABC’s 20/20, Megyn Kelly Today, Google Talks, and The Spy Museum. Michele will have her books for sale the night of the forum and will also be happy to sign them for us.
Michele holds a master’s degree in Contemporary Arab Studies from Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service and a political science degree from Palm Beach Atlantic University. She and her husband, Joseph, live in Florida.