Sarah Adams CIA Wikipedia, Biography
Sarah Adams is a former CIA targeting officer and intelligence analyst with extensive experience in counterterrorism and national security. She joined the CIA in 2006, focusing on identifying and assessing global terrorist threats against the United States and its allies. Her work involved developing targeting studies, profiling terrorist groups, and providing strategic and tactical briefings to senior policymakers.
In 2012, Adams was stationed in North Africa as the lead counterterrorism targeter, where she played a pivotal role in counterterrorism operations. Her contributions were recognized by the CIA’s Chief of Station, who referred to her as the “backbone for counterterrorism operations” in that region.
Following the 2012 terrorist attacks on the U.S. Consulate and CIA Annex in Benghazi, Libya, Adams was appointed as a senior advisor to the U.S. House of Representatives Select Committee on Benghazi from 2015 to 2017. In this role, she conducted investigations and provided expert analysis on national security, foreign policy, and counterterrorism, contributing to the committee’s final report on the events surrounding the attacks.
Sarah Adams Age
Sarah Adams age is not publicly disclosed.
Sarah Adams Height
Sarah Adams height has not been disclosed.
Sarah Adams Educational Background
Sarah Adams holds a Master’s Degree in International Relations from the University of San Diego and a Bachelor’s of Science in International Business from the University of Central Florida.
Sarah Adams Career
Sarah Adams began her career with the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) in 2006, focusing on identifying and assessing global terrorist threats against the United States and its allies. As a targeting analyst, she developed comprehensive targeting assessments and risk studies, which were instrumental in formulating strategies to mitigate such threats. Her role required daily risk evaluations and operational analyses, where she identified and compared targets based on available intelligence, resources, legal requirements, country risk assessments, and potential security and political considerations.
In 2012, Adams was stationed in North Africa as the lead counterterrorism targeter. During this period, she played a pivotal role in counterterrorism operations, providing critical intelligence that informed strategic and tactical decisions. Her contributions were so significant that the CIA’s Chief of Station referred to her as the “backbone for counterterrorism operations” in the region. Her work involved close collaboration with various intelligence and military entities, ensuring that actionable intelligence was effectively utilized to counter emerging threats.
The events of September 11, 2012, marked a significant turning point in Adams’ career. The terrorist attacks on the U.S. Consulate and CIA Annex in Benghazi, Libya, resulted in the tragic loss of four Americans, including U.S. Ambassador Christopher Stevens. Adams’ firsthand experience and in-depth knowledge of the region were invaluable during this crisis. She was directly involved in analyzing the attacks, identifying the perpetrators, and providing critical intelligence to support the U.S. government’s response.
In January 2015, Adams transitioned to a role as the Senior Advisor for the U.S. House of Representatives Select Committee on Benghazi. Recruited directly from the CIA by the committee’s Chairman, she brought her extensive field experience and analytical skills to Capitol Hill. As a professional staff member on the investigative team, she conducted all-source investigations and oversight activities related to the Benghazi attacks. Her work involved outreach to multiple government organizations, the U.S. Intelligence Community, and Congressional Members. She recommended major changes in security and intelligence collection initiatives across the Intelligence and Diplomatic Communities, many of which were included in the Committee’s final report titled “Final Report of the Select Committee on the Events Surrounding the 2012 Terrorist Attack in Benghazi” (H. Rept. 114–848).
After her tenure with the Select Committee, Adams continued to leverage her expertise in the private sector. She led Department of Defense (DoD) research and development efforts aimed at discovering, incubating, and delivering innovative, data-driven, technology-enabled solutions to address complex national security challenges. Her work in this capacity involved developing tools to analyze big data problems, enhancing the DoD’s ability to process and interpret vast amounts of information critical to national security.
In addition to her professional endeavors, Adams co-authored the book “Benghazi: Know Thy Enemy,” published in October 2022. The book presents a detailed investigation into the perpetrators of the Benghazi attacks, drawing on her extensive experience and knowledge of the region. This self-funded, open-source investigation aimed to honor the memory of those killed by exposing and bringing justice to the real enemies of the United States.
Throughout her career, Adams has been recognized for her contributions to the U.S. government’s intelligence mission overseas. While serving in a warzone, she received an award for leading operational efforts described as a “game-changer” by then U.S. Secretary of Defense, Robert Gates.
In recent years, Adams has continued her work as a global threat advisor with extensive domestic and international experience. She serves as the Chief Operations Officer of the Ukraine NGO Coordination Network (UNCN), an umbrella organization coordinating humanitarian efforts in Ukraine. Her leadership in this role reflects her ongoing commitment to addressing complex global challenges and her ability to apply her intelligence expertise to humanitarian efforts.
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Sarah Adams Books
Sarah Adams has co-authored the following publications:
- “Benghazi: Know Thy Enemy” (October 18, 2022)
In collaboration with Dave Benton, this book presents a comprehensive investigation into the 2012 terrorist attacks on the U.S. Consulate and CIA Annex in Benghazi, Libya. Drawing from their firsthand experiences, Adams and Benton identify the perpetrators and provide an in-depth analysis of the events, aiming to honor the memory of those lost by exposing the real enemies of the United States. - “The Benghazi Committee Report: Proposed Report of the Select Committee on the Events Surrounding the 2012 Terrorist Attack in Benghazi” (July 2016)
As the Senior Advisor to the U.S. House of Representatives Select Committee on Benghazi, Adams contributed to this comprehensive report detailing the findings of the investigation into the 2012 attacks. The report offers insights into the circumstances leading up to the attacks, the response during the events, and recommendations to prevent future security lapses.
Sarah Adams Awards and Recognitions
Sarah Adams has received several awards and recognitions for her significant contributions to U.S. intelligence operations:
- Operational Leadership Award: While serving in a warzone, Adams led initiatives described as a “game-changer” by then U.S. Secretary of Defense, Robert Gates.
- Commendation for Counterterrorism Efforts: In 2012, during her assignment in North Africa as the lead counterterrorism targeter, the CIA’s Chief of Station referred to her as the “backbone for counterterrorism operations” in that country.
Sarah Adams Net Worth
Sarah Adams has an estimated net worth of $5 million as of 2024.
Sarah Adams Husband and Children
Details regarding Sarah Adams husband and children have not been publicly disclosed.
FAQs
Who is Sarah Adams?
Sarah Adams is an award-winning targeting officer and global threat advisor with extensive domestic and international experience. She joined the CIA in 2006 and has worked in various capacities, including serving as the Senior Advisor for the U.S. House of Representatives Select Committee on Benghazi.
What role did Sarah Adams play in the Benghazi investigation?
From January 2015 to January 2017, Adams served as the Senior Advisor for the U.S. House of Representatives Select Committee on Benghazi. She conducted all-source investigations and oversight activities related to the 2012 terrorist attacks in Benghazi, Libya, and recommended major changes in security and intelligence collection initiatives.
Has Sarah Adams authored any books?
Yes, she co-authored the book “Benghazi: Know Thy Enemy,” which presents a detailed investigation into the perpetrators of the Benghazi attacks.
What awards and recognitions has Sarah Adams received?
While serving in a warzone, Adams received an award for leading operational efforts described as a “game-changer” by then U.S. Secretary of Defense, Robert Gates. Additionally, in 2012, the CIA’s Chief of Station referred to her as the “backbone for counterterrorism operations” in North Africa.
What is Sarah Adams’ current role?
Adams serves as the Chief Operations Officer of the Ukraine NGO Coordination Network (UNCN), coordinating humanitarian efforts in Ukraine.
What is Sarah Adams’ stance on current global security threats?
In a recent interview, Adams discussed alarming intelligence gaps, Taliban funding, Al Qaeda’s evolving strategies, and the roles of China and Russia in shaping terrorist activities, urging a reevaluation of current geopolitical perspectives.
