U.S. Naval War College Executive and Leadership Team

November, 2026

Leadership Overview

U.S. Naval War College has 4 executives leading key functions including information technology, command resources, operational management, and administrative oversight.

Dedicated to advancing maritime strategy and national security, U.S. Naval War College fosters intellectual growth among military and government leaders to address complex global security challenges through rigorous academic research.

Leadership Roles at U.S. Naval War College

  • Vice President, Chief Operating Officer, and Chief of Staff - Peter Halvorsen
  • Chief Information Officer - Brian Phillips
  • Chief Information Officer, Command Information & Officer & Director, Information Resources Department - Joseph Pangborn
  • Chief Administrative Officer - Brendan Little
  • Peter Halvorsen - Vice President, Chief Operating Officer, and Chief of Staff

    Peter Halvorsen, the Vice President, Chief Operating Officer, and Chief of Staff at U.S. Naval War College, executes the daily operational strategy and administrative functions of the institution. Overseeing the synchronization of graduate degree programs and professional military education, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that all academic departments function in harmony with the college mission. This leadership role involves managing the internal organizational structure to support the development of leaders capable of addressing complex global security challenges. By streamlining operational processes, Peter Halvorsen directly impacts the overall effectiveness of the college. The Chief of Staff coordinates with the Board and other C-suite leaders to implement long-term institutional goals. Through the rigorous oversight of administrative and operational workflows, Halvorsen maintains the high standards required for elite military and government training.

    Brian Phillips - Chief Information Officer

    Brian Phillips, the Chief Information Officer at U.S. Naval War College, directs the digital infrastructure and cybersecurity frameworks essential for advanced military education. Overseeing the integration of secure academic networks, the Chief Information Officer ensures that all research platforms remain resilient against evolving global threats. This leadership role involves modernizing data systems to support the complex requirements of naval officers and government civilians. By implementing robust technological solutions, Brian Phillips directly impacts the efficiency of professional military education programs. The Chief Information Officer maintains alignment with national security standards while facilitating seamless access to specialized maritime strategy databases. Through the continuous optimization of digital assets, Phillips secures the technological foundation necessary for high-level operational planning and academic excellence across the institution.

    Joseph Pangborn - Chief Information Officer, Command Information & Officer & Director, Information Resources Department

    Joseph Pangborn, the Chief Information Officer, Command Information & Officer & Director, Information Resources Department at U.S. Naval War College, manages the comprehensive information resources department. Overseeing the alignment of command information systems with academic objectives, the Director ensures that all data repositories support the rigorous training of international military personnel. This leadership role involves coordinating complex information flows to enhance the strategic decision-making capabilities of senior officers. By architecting sophisticated resource management protocols, Joseph Pangborn directly impacts the quality of professional military education. The Director facilitates cross-departmental collaboration to maintain the integrity of sensitive research data. Through the strategic deployment of information resources, Pangborn drives the institutional capacity to address multifaceted global security challenges within the maritime domain.

    Brendan Little - Chief Administrative Officer

    Brendan Little, the Chief Administrative Officer at U.S. Naval War College, directs the administrative policies and support services that sustain the academic environment. Overseeing the allocation of institutional resources and the management of personnel support systems, the Chief Administrative Officer ensures that faculty and students possess the necessary tools for success. This leadership role involves optimizing administrative workflows to support the specialized courses focused on national security and operational planning. By refining internal governance and service delivery, Brendan Little directly impacts the operational readiness of the college. The Chief Administrative Officer collaborates with other executive leaders to ensure that administrative functions align with the broader strategic objectives of the institution. Through the diligent management of organizational infrastructure, Little supports the mission of developing leaders for complex global security environments.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding U.S. Naval War College Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads U.S. Naval War College?
    U.S. Naval War College is led by Peter Halvorsen (Vice President, Chief Operating Officer, and Chief of Staff), along with executives such as Brian Phillips (Chief Information Officer) and Joseph Pangborn (Chief Information Officer, Command Information & Officer & Director, Information Resources Department).
    Who is part of U.S. Naval War College’s executive team?
    The executive team of U.S. Naval War College includes leaders such as Peter Halvorsen (Vice President, Chief Operating Officer, and Chief of Staff), Brian Phillips (Chief Information Officer), Joseph Pangborn (Chief Information Officer, Command Information & Officer & Director, Information Resources Department) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does U.S. Naval War College have?
    U.S. Naval War College has 4 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in U.S. Naval War College’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of U.S. Naval War College includes roles such as Vice President, Chief Operating Officer, and Chief of Staff, Chief Information Officer, Chief Information Officer, Command Information & Officer & Director, Information Resources Department, Chief Administrative Officer.