Hon. Patrick Murphy
32nd Army Under Secretary, Hilco Global Geopolitical Unit
Hilco Global
Patrick J. Murphy is Executive Director – Geopolitical Unit at
Hilco Global. He brings a wealth of expertise in public policy,
military leadership, legal strategy, and innovation, honed through
distinguished service in both government and the private sector.
Before joining the Hilco Global Geopolitical Unit, Patrick served as the 32nd
United States Under Secretary of the Army, confirmed by the U.S. Senate in
December 2015, three days after which he assumed duties as Acting Secretary of the Army. In this role, he provided
strategic leadership for a Fortune 10-sized organization, driving initiatives including technology modernization, talent
recruitment and management, and innovation within the Army, and was recognized for advancing veteran advocacy
and digital transformation across the service. He was the first Iraq War veteran elected to the U.S. House of
Representatives, representing Pennsylvania’s 8th congressional district from 2007 to 2011, where he sponsored the
repeal of Don’t Ask Don’t Tell, co-authored the 21 Century G.I. Bill, and served on the Armed Services, Select
Intelligence, and Appropriations committees.
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A decorated military officer, Patrick served as a judge advocate in the U.S. Army, including deployments to Bosnia
and Iraq, where he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for meritorious service. His leadership extended beyond the
battlefield as a part of the military faculty at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, where he taught constitutional
law and mentored future leaders.
Patrick’s legal and academic background includes earning a JD from Widener University Commonwealth Law School
and a BA from King’s College. He has also held roles at Cozen O’Connor, a leading national Am Law 100 law firm,
and as a venture capitalist investing over $250 million in veteran-owned companies. His lifelong dedication to public
service includes his current tenure as a faculty member at the Wharton School of Business and formerly as the
Distinguished Chair of Innovation at West Point.
Throughout his career, Patrick has been recognized for his commitment to innovation, veterans’ issues, and national
security. He has advised organizations and institutions across sectors on governance, compliance, and leadership.
He continues to engage in advisory roles and thought leadership, including his work as a TV contributor, podcast
host, and public speaker.
In addition to the Bronze Star Medal, Patrick holds numerous awards and decorations from his military service, the
Meritorious Service Medal, and the John F. Kennedy Jr ‘Profile in Courage’ Award from Brown University and the
Dwight D. Eisenhower National Public Service Award from the Student Veterans of America. He remains dedicated
to fostering innovation and good governance, empowering organizations to navigate complex challenges in today’s
global landscape.
