Brian Connolly

Brian Connolly is a pioneering leader and retiring US Army Special Forces Officer with 20 years of experience directing high-performing teams in challenging environments. As the Chief Operating Officer and School Director at the Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation, they managed operations across multiple countries, enhanced strategic planning, and navigated crisis management during the COVID-19 pandemic. Previously, as Commanding Officer of a Special Forces Company, they orchestrated critical missions in South America and advised on security negotiations for US interests. Brian holds a Master’s Degree in National Security and Strategic Studies from the U.S. Naval War College and a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Information Systems from Fairfield University.