Cazares brings extensive national security, state and federal policymaking, and strategic advisory expertise to the board, including service as Chief of Staff to former U.S. Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates.
The Bush School of Government & Public Service at Texas A&M University is honored to announce the appointment of Mr. Cody Cazares ’21 to its Dean’s Advisory Board, chaired by President George H.W. Bush’s son, Mr. Neil Bush. Cazares brings a unique insight to the board through his diverse, life-long career in public service and as a proud alumnus of the Bush School, holding a Master of International Affairs in National Security and Diplomacy.
“Cody brings a valuable perspective shaped by his time as a Bush School student and his extensive experience in public service,” said Bush School Dean John B. Sherman ’92. “He knows firsthand what skills and preparation matter most once our graduates enter the profession, and his insights will help us continue developing leaders ready to meet real world challenges with courage, integrity, and competence. We are grateful for his willingness to give back to the Bush School and for his commitment to helping guide its future.”
Trusted Leadership in Public Service
Cazares currently serves as Chief of Staff to former U.S. Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates and as a Director at Rice, Hadley, Gates & Manuel LLC, the international strategic consulting firm founded by Secretary Gates, former U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, former National Security Advisor Stephen Hadley, and Aspen Strategy Group Director Anja Manuel. In these roles, Cazares draws on more than two decades of experience across state and federal government to provide strategic advice at the intersection of domestic politics, foreign policy, and national security.
Throughout his career, Cazares has built a reputation for trusted leadership and senior-level counsel through a relationship-driven approach. Raised in a small town in the Texas Panhandle, he began his path in public service at age 15 as an intern on U.S. Senator Bob Dole’s presidential campaign. By 23, he was a candidate for Hansford County Judge, the county’s chief elected executive office, an early demonstration of his commitment and desire to serve others.
Over the past 20 years, Cazares has held key roles in the U.S. Congress and within former President George W. Bush’s administration. He has served as Special Assistant to the Lieutenant Governor of Texas and as a Chief of Staff in the executive and legislative branches of Texas Government. Most recently, Cazares served as National Security Advisor to the Chairman of the U.S. House Committee on Foreign Affairs, and as Senior Policy Advisor for Special Programs at Space Operations Command and U.S. Space Force headquarters at the Pentagon.
Enduring Academic Excellence
Cazares holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Baylor University and a Master of International Affairs in National Security and Diplomacy from the Bush School of Government & Public Service. He is also a graduate of the Senior Executives in National and International Security Program at the Harvard Kennedy School and is currently pursuing a Master of Arts in Defense and Strategic Studies from the United States Naval War College.
A committed and engaged alumnus, Cazares has remained actively involved with the Bush School. He frequently commits his time to mentor prospective and current Bush School students and returns to campus to serve on alumni panels, offering perspective and guidance to students as they evaluate their graduate school and career decisions. Cazares has served as a moderator for special guests at the Bush School’s Washington, D.C. teaching site and delivered the keynote address at the Bush School graduation ceremony. Cazares has even been featured in the Bush School DC’s advertisement campaign. Most recently, he agreed to participate in our Allen Building Alumni Spotlight program, which featured classroom displays that introduce students to alumni career paths and the wide range of professional opportunities available in public service. It seemed especially fitting to display his feature in the classroom where he took most of his courses to earn his International Affairs degree.
The Bush School is proud to welcome Cazares to the Dean’s Advisory Board and eagerly anticipates his strategic contributions as the school advances President George H.W. Bush’s charge to educate principled leaders for lives of service.
