Director of Central Intelligence John Deutch announced today that he has named Richard J. Wilhelm, a US Navy Captain with an extensive professional background in intelligence and cryptology, to be the Executive Director for Intelligence Community Affairs. He begins this assignment on May 14, 1996, and will retire from the Navy at the end of June.

Wilhelm is currently on the Vice President's National Security Affairs staff. Prior to serving in this position, he held a number of key intelligence posts, including the initial Director, Information Warfare, National Security Agency (1993-94). In August 1990, he was detailed to the Joint Chiefs of Staff to establish and operate the Pentagon's Joint Intelligence Center for Iraq supporting the Secretary of Defense, the Chairman, JCS, and the theater during Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm.

A graduate of Syracuse University (Russian Area Studies), Wilhelm entered Officer Candidate School, Newport, Rhode Island, in 1968. After commissioning, he served several intelligence related tours in surface ships, submarines, afloat staffs, and overseas shore activities.

As Executive Director for Intelligence Community Affairs, Wilhelm will be responsible for the Community's budget process as well as strategic and resource planning. He replaces Keith R. Hall, who is currently the Acting Director of the National Reconnaissance Office.