The Middle East Institute’s annual CENTCOM Commanders Council Reception brings together senior military leaders, diplomats, policymakers, and regional experts for an evening of dialogue and engagement on US security policy and partnerships in the Middle East. The event honors current and former CENTCOM commanders and highlights MEI’s longstanding commitment to fostering informed discussion on defense, regional stability, and strategic cooperation.
2025 Featured Speakers
October 12, 2025 | Washington, DC
General John P. Abizaid, USA (ret.)
8th Commander of U.S. Central Command
Former U.S. Ambassador to Saudi Arabia
Chairman of the Middle East Institute Board of Governors
General Joseph L. Votel, USA (ret.)
13th Commander of U.S. Central Command
MEI Distinguished Sr. Fellow on National Security
Gen. Kenneth F. McKenzie, Jr., USMC (Ret.)
14th Commander of U.S. Central Command
MEI Distinguished Military Fellow
David Ignatius (moderator)
Columnist, The Washington Post
Sponsorship
Thank you to the sponsors of the 2025 Program:
Additional Supporters: Dr. Aizen Marrogi and Dr. Bong Kim, TCOM, L.P., McAleese & Associates, SNC, Rhea Space Activity, and Robert Fardi
2024 Program
On October 13, 2024, MEI hosted its second annual CENTCOM Commanders Council Reception at its headquarters in Washington, DC. The reception featured keynote remarks by General Michael E. Kurilla, Commander of US Central Command, and a panel discussion with Gen. John P. Abizaid, USA (Ret.), Gen. Kenneth F. McKenzie, Jr., USMC (Ret.), Amb. (Ret.) Anne Patterson, and David Schenker.
2023 Program
On September 14th, 2023, MEI hosted it’s inaugural CENTCOM Commanders Council Dinner at its headquarters in Washington D.C. The dinner featured an off-record conversation with four former CENTCOM Commanders: Generals (ret.) Anthony Zinni, John Abizaid, Joseph Votel, and Frank McKenzie; as well as remarks from the current CENTCOM Director of Strategy, Plans, and Policy, Maj. Gen. Sean M. Salene.