February 12, 2004 — Jami Miscik, Deputy Director for Intelligence for the United States Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) will speak on “The Role of Intelligence in Foreign Policy,” Monday, Feb. 23, at noon, in the Olpin Union Ballroom, located at 200 Central Campus Drive, on the University of Utah campus. Her talk, which will include a question-and-answer period, is free and open to the public.

The role of intelligence analysis in foreign policy decisions at times has been controversial. During a series of presidential administrations, controversy has focused on whether domestic political pressure influenced analytical outcomes, concern about the accuracy of economic and political forecasts, and whether the reliance on technical means of collection was over-emphasized.

In an era when surprise attack on U. S. interests is a very real possibility, the quality of intelligence analysis has never been more important.

Miscik was appointed deputy director of Intelligence in 2002. In this position, she oversees all CIA intelligence analysts, the production of all-source analysis and determines what materials should be included in the President’s daily intelligence briefings.

Miscik joined the CIA in 1983 as an economic analyst working on international debt issues in the third world. She subsequently led Directorate for Intelligence analytic programs on political instability, economic competitiveness and civil technologies. From 1995 to 1996, she served on rotation to the National Security Council as the director for Intelligence Programs. There she had oversight responsibility for covert action programs and special reconnaissance missions. From 1996 to 1997, Miscik was executive assistant to George Tenet, the director of Central Intelligence. She was named associate deputy director for Intelligence in 2000.

Miscik graduated with honors with a B.A. from Pepperdine University and holds an M.A. in International Studies from the University of Denver. She has twice received the Intelligence Commendation Medal.

Miscik’s lecture is also sponsored by the University of Utah’s Center for Public Policy and Administration, Department of Political Science and Pi Alpha Alpha, the national honor society in public affairs and administration.