Amber Smith is the President of Beacon Rock Strategies. Most recently Smith was a presidential political appointee at the Pentagon where she served as Secretary Mattis’ Deputy Assistant to the Secretary of Defense (Outreach). Smith is the author of the best selling book, Danger Close: My Epic Journey as a Combat Helicopter Pilot in Iraq and Afghanistan. Smith flew into enemy fire in some of the most dangerous combat zones in the world. One of only a few women to fly the OH-58D Kiowa Warrior helicopter—whose mission, armed reconnaissance, required its pilots to stay low and fly fast, perilously close to the fight—Smith deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan as a member of the elite 2-17 Cavalry Regiment, part of the legendary 101st Airborne Division, the Screaming Eagles. She rose to Pilot-in-Command and Air Mission Commander in the premier Kiowa unit in the military.

Smith frequently appears on national TV networks as a leading expert in defense, national security, military operations, and foreign policy.  Smith is a renowned national speaker where she tells her inspirational story of perseverance and determination, lessons of leadership and communication, and achieving success under extreme pressure.

Amber has a master of science degree in safety, security, and emergency management with a specialization and graduate certificate in Homeland Security from Eastern Kentucky University. She earned a bachelor of science in professional aeronautics from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University.