Jon Spaner is a member of McKinsey & Co’s public sector practice based in Washington, DC. He focuses on management issues involving transportation, border security, innovation, strategy, and international development across Federal Civilian departments and agencies.

Previously, Jon served as a commissioned officer in the U.S. Coast Guard for 22 years holding the rank of Captain (O-6) and leading two Major Commands: Sector Commander and Captain of the Port of San Diego, California, as well as Commanding Officer of Air Station Traverse City, Michigan. He has held senior pilot ratings in the C-130 aircraft and H-60/65 helicopters during earlier tours in California, Florida, and Oregon. Moreover, on behalf of the U.S. Department of State, Jon led the U.S. delegation to the Arctic Council task force responsible for establishing the Arctic Economic Council.

He also served as Strategic Policy Advisor to the Four-Star General responsible for military operations in the U.S. Central Command region which included the Middle East, Levant, Central Asian States, and Horn of Africa. Moreover, he was Director of Port and Cargo Security on the White House staff and Special Assistant to the Homeland Security Advisor.

Jon has extensive experience with crisis operations including flying relief missions during Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans, advising the National Incident Command during the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill, and surviving a piracy attack in South America while serving on a U.S. Flag Merchant Ship as a cadet.

He holds an M.B.A. from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), M.S. in Management from Purdue University, and B.S. from the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy where he served as the Regimental Commander. Jon is a Distinguished Graduate from U.S. Naval Pilot Training in Pensacola, Florida, and a 2013 alumnus of Harvard University’s U.S.-Russia Security Program.

Jon is a former International Affairs Fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations, former Fellow at the German Marshall Fund of the United States, and a former White House Fellow. He resides in McLean, Virginia.