James “Pete” McIllwain is a retired CIA Senior Operations Officer with more than 22 years of distinguished service in the CIA’s Directorate of Operations. During his career, he served in 54 countries and held key leadership assignments, including Deputy Chief of Base in Berlin during the fall of the Berlin Wall, Deputy Chief of Station in Israel, Chief of Base in Pakistan, and Chief of Station in Myanmar.

Following his CIA career, Pete worked for more than 15 years as an international security and intelligence consultant, including assignments supporting counter-terrorism operations and advising senior foreign officials and security services across Asia, South Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and Eastern Europe. He also served as Vice President of Operations for a leading international risk mitigation and security firm, overseeing global contracts involving nearly 1,000 employees and contractors.

Pete is a decorated intelligence and military professional who has earned multiple awards for exceptional service.