James O. Ellis Jr.

James O. Ellis Jr. is the Annenberg Distinguished Visiting Fellow and Adjunct Professor in the Department of Management Science and Engineering at Stanford University. He retired from a 39-year U.S. Navy career as a four-star admiral, culminating as Commander of the United States Strategic Command, and later served as President of the Institute of Nuclear Power Operations (INPO) until 2012.

His academic and professional expertise spans energy policy, nuclear security, and international defense strategy. At Stanford, he co-leads the George P. Shultz Energy Policy Working Group and contributes to global security initiatives. His research emphasizes nuclear energy’s role in climate solutions, semiconductor supply chain resilience, and deterrence strategies in an era of technological complexity.

Notably, Ellis was inducted into Georgia Tech’s Engineering Hall of Fame (2005) and elected to the National Academy of Engineering (2013). Current leadership roles include Chair of the National Academy of Engineering Council (2025) and advisory positions on energy and defense policy. His publications frequently address energy security, high-tech warfare, and U.S.-Taiwan semiconductor partnerships.