David Hallisey

David Hallisey joined The Cohen Group in March 2021 after more than 30 years of military and public sector experience.

Prior to joining The Cohen Group, Mr. Hallisey served more than 14 years across four administrations at the White House Military Office (WHMO) on both active duty and as a career civil servant. His assignments at WHMO included Deputy Director of Policy, Plans, and Requirements; Director of Administration and Personnel Management; Deputy Chief of Staff; and Chief of Staff. As Chief of Staff, he helped oversee the integration and operations of the 3,000-person WHMO Enterprise encompassing Air Force One, Marine One, the White House Communications Agency, Camp David, the White House Medical Unit, Presidential Food Service, the White House Transportation Agency, and the Headquarters elements, all charged with ensuring the daily and uninterrupted functioning of the Presidency. While at WHMO, Mr. Hallisey was responsible for writing and shaping the National Continuity Policy, leading government-wide continuity programs and exercises, and briefing the President and senior staff, including more than 30 cabinet officials from various administrations.

Prior to the White House, Mr. Hallisey was a career Navy officer serving in a variety of sea and shore assignments. At sea, he completed numerous deployments to the Middle East, Mediterranean, and Pacific, primarily in destroyer-class ships, and often sailing during wartime operations. Ashore, he was one of the first officers stationed in a newly democratic Albania in support of the Partnership for Peace initiative; served as the Aide and Flag Lieutenant to the worldwide Military Sealift Command; was a speechwriter for the Secretary of the Navy; and helped manage the Middle East portfolio on the Chief of Naval Operations staff.

While on active duty, Mr. Hallisey was selected for a two-year Political-Military graduate studies fellowship where he earned a master’s degree in Strategic Studies and International Economics from the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS). He also holds a bachelor’s degree in Mathematics (minor in Russian studies) from the US Naval Academy, where he graduated with distinction.

Mr. Hallisey has extensive experience abroad having lived in Japan, Italy, Albania, and Denmark and having traveled to more than 60 countries. Additionally, he is a certified facilitator in leadership training and has been a frequent top individual fundraiser for Wounded Warriors.