College Leadership & Board of Advisors

The U.S. Naval War College (NWC) is an educational institution within the Department of the Navy. The President of the college is accountable directly to the Chief of Naval Operations, who establishes the college's mission, provides general guidelines and appropriated funds for its operation, and selects the president of NWC.

President

Shoshana S. Chatfield

Rear Adm., U.S. Navy

Rear Adm. Shoshana Chatfield is the President of the U.S. Naval War College and a career naval helicopter pilot. A native of Garden Grove, California, she graduated from Boston University in 1987 with a Bachelor of Arts in international relations and French language and literature. She received her commission through Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC) in 1988 and earned her wings of gold in 1989. Chatfield was awarded the Navy’s Political/Military (Pol-Mil) Scholarship and attended the Kennedy School of Government, receiving a Master of Public Administration from Harvard University in 1997. In 2009, the University of San Diego conferred upon her a doctorate of education.

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Vice President/Chief of Staff

Michael J. Rak

Capt., U.S. Navy

Capt. Michael Rak is a 1997 graduate of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Marine Transportation and a U.S. Coast Guard Third Mates License. He earned a master’s degree in National Security Affairs from the Naval Postgraduate School in 2003. In 2020 he earned a second master’s degree in National Security and Strategic Studies as well as a Graduate Certificate in Maritime History from the U.S. Naval War College. He has completed numerous joint and operational assignments including as commanding officer of USS Milius (DDG 69) and USS Cowpens (CG 63).

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Provost

Stephen J. Mariano

Provost Stephen Mariano, Ph.D. most recently served as the deputy commandant and dean of the NATO Defense College in Rome, Italy. He also served on the faculties of the School of International Service at American University, National Defense University, the Royal Military College of Canada and the U.S. Military Academy. He holds a B.A. in mathematics and economics from the University of California, Santa Barbara, an M.A. in national security affairs from the Naval Postgraduate School, and a Ph.D. in war studies from the Royal Military College of Canada.

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Command Master Chief

Joseph D. Fahrney

Master Chief Petty Officer, U.S. Navy

Command Master Chief Fahrney enlisted in the Navy in 1990. He holds a Bachelor of Science in education (magna cum laude) from Valdosta State University and a Master of Science in leadership (with distinction) from Roger Williams University. Fahrney’s military education and training include the U.S. Navy Senior Enlisted Academy (Class 126), CMC/COB Capstone Course (Class 31) and Senior Shore Station Leadership Program. He is a 2010 Keystone Graduate of the National Defense University, 2015 graduate of the Naval Postgraduate School Navy Senior Leader Seminar and a 2021 graduate of the strategic thinking seminar at the University of Virginia Darden School of Business Administration.

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