Patricia I. Moynihan, 1989
B.A., Denison University
M.S., U.S. Naval War College
M.Ed., George Mason University
Independent Contractor
Alexandria, Va.
Patricia Moynihan built a remarkable 28-year career with the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), where she became one of the most respected figures in counterintelligence and Russian operations. Her high-stakes work in global hotspots including Moscow, Ukraine, and Karachi played a pivotal role in capturing terrorists and exposing traitors, and her leadership earned her the CIA’s highest honor, the Distinguished Intelligence Cross, among numerous other commendations.
A fluent Russian speaker and seasoned operations officer, Moynihan led critical programs from CIA Headquarters and abroad, serving in top roles such as deputy chief of the Central Eurasia Division, chief of the Russia House Backroom, chief of operations for Central Eurasia, and associate deputy director of the FBI’s Terrorist Screening Center. Her groundbreaking leadership was profiled in the New York Times bestselling book The Sisterhood: The Secret History of Women in the CIA, and her career also inspired a spy novel.
Since her retirement in 2017 as the civilian equivalent of a four-star general, she continues to serve the U.S. by providing advanced training to the Intelligence Community and U.S. Special Operations Forces, shaping the next generation of national security professionals. A passionate public servant, she is president of the McLean Volunteer Fire Department, where she is a life member and certified EMT, and she remains an active community coach and mentor.
Patricia holds multiple advanced degrees, including a master’s in education from George Mason University, a master’s in national security and strategic studies from the Naval War College, and a coaching certification from Columbia University.
At Denison, she majored in political science and played varsity women’s field hockey. Today, she gives back to her alma mater as a former member of the Denison Alumni Council, a campus speaker, a dedicated mentor to students, and a regular donor to the Annual Fund.