Michele Flournoy joins the board of Rivada Networks. Photo by Rivada Networks

Michèle Flournoy, the former U.S. Under Secretary of Defense who served during President Obama’s first term in office, has joined Rivada Networks’ Board of Directors, the company announced Thursday.

Flournoy served as principle adviser to the Secretary of Defense in the formulation of national security and defense policy, oversight of military plans and operations, and in National Security Council deliberations. In 2017, she co-founded WestExec Advisors, a strategic advisory firm in Washington, D.C.

“Rivada’s OuterNET [low-Earth orbit satellite-communications constellation] is an exciting opportunity to transform the global communications landscape,” Flournoy said in a statement. “High-resiliency networks have never been more important, both economically and geostrategically. I look forward to helping the Rivada team accomplish its mission.”

“I’m honored that Michèle has agreed to join Rivada’s board,” said Rivada CEO Declan Ganley. “Michèle is one of America’s foremost thinkers on geopolitics. Her insights and advice will be invaluable as we roll out the OuterNET globally, alongside other initiatives.”