Mark Esper

Mark Thomas Esper (born April 26, 1964) is an American politician and manufacturing executive. He served as the 27th United States Secretary of Defense from 2019 to 2020 and the 23rd U.S. Secretary of the Army from November 2017 to July 2019. Esper is a West Point graduate and a former infantry officer who saw combat during the Gulf War. He also served in the 82nd Airborne Division and the Army National Guard. Prior to his government roles, Esper worked as the chief of staff at the Heritage Foundation and held positions at the Aerospace Industries Association, Global Intellectual Property Center, and U.S. Chamber of Commerce. He also served as vice president of government relations for defense contractor Raytheon.