Mary Beth Long was United States Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs from 2007 to 2009.
Mary Beth Long was educated at Pennsylvania State University, receiving a B.A. in communication studies in 1985.[1] During her time as an undergraduate, she studied abroad in Taiwan, at the National Taiwan University and at Fu Jen Catholic University.[2]
Long joined the Directorate of Operations of the Central Intelligence Agency in 1986, working there until 1999.[3] Her work for the CIA focused on narcotics, weapons of mass destruction, and terrorism.[4] While at the CIA, she completed the Clandestine Operations in Dangerous Areas area and underwent paramilitary training.[5] From May to September 1996, she was Deputy and Acting Chief for the Haiti Task Force.[6]
While working at the CIA, Long attended the Washington and Lee University School of Law and received a J.D. in 1998.[7] In 1999 she joined Washington, D.C. law firm Williams & Connolly and worked there until 2004.[8]
On May 19, 2004, Long was appointed Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Counternarcotics.[9] She became Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs in August 2005. She held that position until December 2007.
On November 8, 2007, President of the United States George W. Bush nominated Long to be Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs.[10] After Senate confirmation, Long was sworn in on December 21, 2007.[11] She held this position until June 2009.
In early 2010, Long joined NeuralIQ Government Services, a firm focused on internet security, as a senior vice president.[12]