A Special Event for Corporate Council Members
MEI was proud to host the CENTCOM Commander Council Reception on October 12, 2025 at its headquarters in Washington, DC. The evening brought together an extraordinary group of senior military, diplomatic, and policy leaders — many longtime colleagues and friends — for a candid exchange of views on the Middle East's evolving security landscape.
2025 Program
Featured Speakers
General John P. Abizaid, USA (ret.)
8th Commander of U.S. Central Command
Former U.S. Ambassador to Saudi Arabia
Chairman of the Middle East Institute Board of Governors
General Joseph L. Votel, USA (ret.)
13th Commander of U.S. Central Command
MEI Distinguished Sr. Fellow on National Security
Gen. Kenneth F. McKenzie, Jr., USMC (Ret.)
14th Commander of U.S. Central Command
MEI Distinguished Military Fellow
David Ignatius (moderator)
Columnist, The Washington Post
2025 Event Sponsors
Additional Supporters: Dr. Aizen Marrogi and Dr. Bong Kim, TCOM, L.P., McAleese & Associates, SNC, Rhea Space Activity, and Robert Fardi
Sponsorship
Thank you to all of this year’s sponsors and attendees. If you are interested in sponsoring the 2026 event, please contact development@mei.edu.
Click here to learn more about MEI Corporate Council membership and benefits, or view our brochure (PDF).
2024 Program
On October 13, 2024, MEI hosted it's second annual CENTCOM Commanders Council Reception at its headquarters in Washington, DC. The reception featured keynote remarks by General Michael E. Kurilla, Commander of US Central Command, and a panel discussion with Gen. John P. Abizaid, USA (Ret.), Gen. Kenneth F. McKenzie, Jr., USMC (Ret.), Amb. (Ret.) Anne Patterson, and David Schenker.
View program book from the 2024 event
2023 Program
On September 14th, 2023, MEI hosted it's inaugural CENTCOM Commanders Council Dinner at its headquarters in Washington D.C. The dinner featured an off-record conversation with four former CENTCOM Commanders: Generals (ret.) Anthony Zinni, John Abizaid, Joseph Votel, and Frank McKenzie; as well as remarks from the current CENTCOM Director of Strategy, Plans, and Policy, Maj. Gen. Sean M. Salene.
View our readout from the 2023 event
