Kathy Cook

Kathy Cook serves as Executive Director of the ASU Leadership, Diplomacy, and National Security Lab (LDNS Lab), where she leads the lab’s strategy, operations, and growth. She oversees its programs, partnerships, and organizational priorities, working in close collaboration with co-founders Lieutenant General Benjamin C. Freakley, U.S. Army (Ret), and Ambassador-in-Residence Michael C. Polt to advance the lab’s long-term vision and major strategic initiatives. The LDNS Lab is dedicated to developing character-driven future leaders in diplomacy, leadership, and national security.

In addition to her work with the LDNS Lab, Kathy serves as Executive Director, Military and Strategic Initiatives in the ASU Office of University Affairs. In this role, she builds and sustains strategic alliances with leadership at Arizona military installations, strengthening collaboration between ASU and the military community across the state. She manages the ASU Flag Officer Advisory Council and directs Salute to Service events that honor Arizona’s senior military leaders. She also serves as a resource on military protocol and engagement, helping facilitate effective partnerships between university and defense leaders. Through this work, she helps ensure strong and enduring relationships between ASU and Arizona’s service members, veterans, and military families.

As a former military spouse, Kathy brings personal insight into the experiences of military families and remains deeply committed to supporting those who serve. From 2020 to 2022, she served as Honorary Commander to the Luke Air Force Base Command Chief and continues to support the military community as a member of the Blue Blazers, the alumni association of the Honorary Commanders Committee at Luke Air Force Base.