Luke Donohue

About Luke Donohue

Accomplished organizational leader with 36 years of distinguished government service, combining executive-level leadership in both defense and non-profit sectors.As a Regional Program lead for the Defense Security Cooperation University’s International Training, Education, and Advisory Directorate I currently lead the Department of War’s ministerial-level institutional capacity building program with Taiwan. A retired U.S. Army Colonel, career Special Forces Officer and Indo-Pacific Foreign Area Officer, I have extensive experience advising partner forces from commanding special forces A-Teams in combat to leading the Department’s priority defense cooperation program as the Senior Defense Representative and Security Cooperation Office Chief at the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT). Culminating a 33-year Army career, I led the defense support to civil authorities mission as the Defense Coordinating Officer to FEMA, guiding the Department’s 20••••22 response to the COVID-19 pandemic and wildfire emergencies across California, Nevada, Arizona, and tribal nations.During a two-year interlude between uniformed and civilian service in the DoW, I served as Director of Administration at the Presidio Trust, continuing to serve the American people in a capacity that contributed to local and global citizens enjoying one of our nation’s most incredible national parks.I bring a global perspective shaped by 12 years of living and working abroad, including 7 years in the Indo-Pacific. My proficiency in Mandarin Chinese has enabled me to engage effectively in high-stakes diplomatic and strategic initiatives, further solidifying my reputation as a versatile leader in international affairs and defense strategy.

Experience

1. Deputy Chief Indo-pacific Region

   Defense Security Cooperation University

   Jan 2025 — Present

   In this capacity, builds and leads teams focused on institutional capacity building (ICB) with partner nations across the Indo-Pacific. His role includes advising senior leaders on defense sector reforms, security cooperation, and change management strategies to strengthen regional stability and advance U.S. strategic objectives.

Education

• Fayetteville State University

  Associate of Arts (A.A.), Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies

  1996 — 1996

• Defense institute for Security Assistance Management

  Security Cooperation Management - Overseas

  2010 — 2010

• Columbus State University

  Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), American History (United States)

  2000 — 2002

• RSIS | S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies

  Army War College Fellow - Security Studies

  2015 — 2016

• Capital Normal University

  Mandarin Chinese

  2007 — 2008

• Basic Strategic Art Program - U.S. Army War College

  Army Strategist, Defense Strategist Course

  2014 — 2014

• Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS)

  Masters, International Relations and Affairs

  2008 — 2010

• Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center

  Mandarin Chinese

  2006 — 2007

Skills

• Military History
• Project Planning
• Leadership Development
• Special Operations
• Foreign Policy
• Dod
• National Security
• Humint
• Military
• Policy Analysis
• Force Protection
• Information Assurance
• Command
• Intelligence
• Counterinsurgency
• Military Affairs
• Training
• Tactics
• Government
• Operational Planning
• Army
• Strategic Communications
• Afghanistan
• Reconnaissance
• Humanitarian Assistance
• Counterterrorism
• Defense
• Contingency Planning
• Security
• Top Secret
• Joint Military Operations
• Diplomacy
• Personnel Supervision
• Team Building
• Crisis Management
• Organizational Leadership
• Program Management
• Military Training
• Military Experience
• Leadership