DoD Special Envoy for Gitmo Closure Named: Paul Lewis

Secretary Hagel Announces Appointment to Key Defense Post

Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel today announced the appointment of Paul M. Lewis to the position of Special Envoy for Guantanamo closure. This announcement reflects the Department's commitment to implementing the President's directive to close the detention facility at Guantanamo Bay. Special Envoy Lewis brings a wealth of experience from his previous position as the Minority General Counsel of the House Armed Services Committee where he oversaw Guantanamo related issues. In addition to facilitating transfer determinations for Guantanamo detainees, he will oversee efforts to transfer third country nationals currently held by the United States in Afghanistan. Lewis has also served as the General Counsel for the House Armed Services Committee in the past. He has also previously served in the Office of Legislative Counsel in the Office of the General Counsel of the Department of Defense, where he became the Director. Prior to his Department of Defense appointment, Mr. Lewis was the counsel to the Chairman of the House Ethics Committee and a senior counsel for the House Armed Services Committee. Lewis will begin his work at the Pentagon on November 1, 2013.