The Department of Defense has announced the appointment of Maj. Gen. Suzanne Puanani Vares-Lum as the new director of the Daniel K. Inouye Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies (DKI APCSS). Her tenure is set to begin in early 2025.

Maj. Gen. Vares-Lum currently serves as President of the East-West Center and has a distinguished career with 34 years of service in the U.S. Army. Her extensive experience is expected to bring transformational leadership to this important institution within the Indo-Pacific region.

"Maj. Gen. Vares-Lum’s leadership as President of the East-West Center and her 34 years of service in the U.S. Army provide her with the vision and experience needed to be a transformational leader at this vital DoD institution in the Indo-Pacific region," stated Pentagon spokesperson Maj. Pete Nguyen.

The position was previously held by Retired Rear Adm. Pete Gumataotao, who left last summer after more than six years of notable service.

DKI APCSS is recognized as a leading institution for scholars and practitioners focused on security issues related to the Indo-Pacific region.