Haspel’s remarks were part of her visit to the university as a . She is the second CIA Director to appear as a guest of the Center, following , who came to campus in 2012.

“It’s a rare pleasure to be back home in Kentucky and back on this campus,” said Haspel, a 1978 UofL graduate and the first woman to head the CIA. About 400 people heard Haspel speak and for the Agency.

One of those priorities is to foster strong partnerships between the CIA and other government agencies, as well as with foreign allies.

“Teamwork is the only effective way of dealing with the range of complex threats we face across the globe,” she said. “The CIA is working more closely than ever with our allies across the world.”

She also spoke about the seriousness of the opioid crisis and said the CIA plans to make a bigger investment in counter narcotics efforts.

“No foreign challenge has had a more direct and devastating impact on American families and communities, including right here in Kentucky, than the flow of opioids and other drugs into our country,” Haspel said. “This terrible threat has killed far more Americans than any terrorist group.”

Haspel shared the stage with U.S. Senate Majority Leader , UofL President and McConnell Center Director .  

She was interviewed by a UofL graduate, longtime public affairs expert, political commentator and co-founder/partner of Louisville-based RunSwitch Public Relations.

In her Q&A with Jennings, Haspel talked about careers in the CIA.

“We are looking for people who are dedicated to serving their country,” Haspel said.

“It’s not only the things you see in movies,” Haspel said. “We also have lots of other occupations that you find at any large organization. We have accountants, we have lawyers, we have scientists, engineers, data scientists and cyber experts.

“CIA can offer a rewarding career in a lot of different fields. Prepare yourself with a good education and raise your hand for the difficult jobs,” she said.

A video of her talk

Haspel, a UofL graduate, will deliver remarks and take questions about her career in the CIA and national security. The questions will be asked by a UofL graduate, longtime public affairs expert, political commentator and co-founder/partner of Louisville-based RunSwitch Public Relations.

U.S. Senate Majority Leader , UofL President and McConnell Center Director will join Haspel and Jennings on stage.

“What a day for the University of Louisville. To host the director of the CIA, the majority leader of the U.S. Senate and a regular CNN commentator –- all UofL alumni –- on the same stage is an amazing opportunity for our university,” Gregg said.

Born in Ashland, Haspel took the CIA helm in May. She is the first woman to hold that position and has more than 30 years of intelligence experience, including many years as an overseas operative. She is the second CIA director to appear as a McConnell Center guest. The first was , who spoke at the center in 2012.

Haspel will share how her years in Kentucky and at UofL prepared her to serve the CIA and how she is positioning the agency to confront today’s intelligence challenges.

“I was born in Kentucky and, while my family has deep roots there, I was an Air Force ‘brat’ and followed my father to postings all over the world. My childhood overseas instilled in me an appreciation for foreign languages and cultures, but also a deep understanding of the vital role of American leadership in confronting aggression abroad,” Haspel said in May at her confirmation hearing.

The free, public discussion begins at 9 a.m. in Bigelow Hall, Miller Information Technology Center. Tickets are no longer available. However, those interested in attending the event may enter their name on a wait list at . Tickets are nontransferable and limited. Tickets are required for entry with photo IDs that match each name requested. The event will be streamed live at .