WSEAAE-2024

Sean O'Keefe is the 17th person in Syracuse University history to hold the title of University Professor, the highest faculty rank conferred by the University. He is also the Howard G. and S. Louise Phanstiel Chair in Leadership, an endowed professorship at Syracuse University’s Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs, and a senior adviser at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington, D.C. A longtime public administrator, national security expert and aerospace industry executive, O'Keefe served in several top leadership positions in the U.S. government, higher education administration and industry. He has been associated with the Maxwell School and Syracuse University for many years beginning as a graduate student, as a member of the faculty, advisory board chairman and advocate. In March 2003 and 2004, he was recognized and honored by the Irish American Magazine as one of the Top 100 Irish Americans, in 2011 received the Syracuse University distinguished alumni Arents Award presented for excellence in public service, and in 2014 was the recipient of the Meridian International Center’s Corporate Leadership award. Sean and Laura O’Keefe reside in northern Virginia, and at Skaneateles Lake in Upstate New York.