Luke Knittig [pronounced kuh-nit-ick], every letter counts!] is a public affairs executive and international security consultant now based in Savannah, Georgia. He most recently served as USAID / Power Africa’s Washington-based Chief of External Relations. Prior to USAID he was with ASU’s McCain Institute for International Leadership, where he led communications and hosted the In The Arena podcast. Before that, he was VP of communications for LMI, proudly supporting USAID and more than 40 government agencies and activities.

 

Finishing his military career at the Pentagon, Luke led high-visibility initiatives as senior advisor to the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Public Affairs. There he also served as special assistant to the Army’s vice chief of staff, and as public affairs officer for the undersecretary.

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Luke deployed to Afghanistan as principal military spokesman and press center director in 2006 for NATO mission expansion of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF). A combat veteran, his early assignments included the First Armored Division, where he achieved Distinguished Leader honors, and with the Third Infantry Division, where he earned Top Engineer Company Commander distinction.

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An honor graduate of the Defense Information School (DINFOS) Public Affairs Officer Course, he holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the United States Military Academy at West Point, and a Master of Public Policy degree from the University of Texas at Dallas. Luke is a member of the National Press Club, where he’s on the Headliners Committee, and serves on the board of Dacor Bacon.