Tien most lately served as deputy clerk of the Department of Homeland Security( DHS), the first Asian American to ever hold the position, from 2021 until his withdrawal in July 2023. During his term, Tien served as the department’s principal operating officer, responsible for operations, technology, budget, labor force, threat operation, client service, and installations and structure. He oversaw a multi-billion-dollar budget, installations in all 50 countries and further than 3,000 labor force posted overseas in more than 75 countries. Upon his withdrawal, Tien entered the department’s loftiest honor bestowed on a mercenary, the DHS Distinguished Public Service Medal.
“ John’s global perspective on operations, technology, and threat operation are unique and bring a new perspective to Union Pacific, ” said Chairman of the Board Mike McCarthy. “ With 40 of Union Pacific’s shipments forming or terminating outside the U.S., John’s global perspective will be critical as we plan for the future and ensure we have the right blend of chops and moxie on the board. ”
Tien has held leadership places throughout his career, dating back to when he joined theU.S. Military Academy at West Point, getting the first Asian American to serve as First Captain and squad commander, the academy’s top-ranked pimp position. He served three combat tenures in Iraq and entered the Citation Star Medal with one oak splint cluster, the Combat Action Badge, and the Manful Unit Award.
Tien latterly served as National Security Council( NSC) Director for Iraq counterinsurgency operations in the Bush Administration and as the NSC Senior Director for Afghanistan and Pakistan in the Obama Administration. In the ultimate part, he represented President Obama with several countries and multinational associations, including the North Atlantic Treaty Organization( NATO). He retired following 24 times of service as a U.S. Army combat arms officer, achieving the rank of Colonel.
Tien joined Citigroup and spent 10 times serving in elderly administrative places, including principal executive officer and chief of staff for Citi’s Global Consumer Operations and Technology association, principal operating officer and principal technology officer for Macy’s private marker and co-brand credit card portfolio for Citi Retail Services, and head of business and process re-engineering metamorphosis for Citigroup’s entireU.S. Consumer Bank.
“ John brings an emotional track record with a history of guarding critical structure and people, ” said Union Pacific Chief Executive Officer Jim Vena. “ The entire board welcomes John and I look forward to working with him as Union Pacific strives to be stylish in safety and give our guests the service we promise. ”
Tien earned his Bachelorette of Science from West Point and a Master of Trade from Oxford University, where he was a Rhodes Scholar. He was also a National Security Fellow at the Harvard Kennedy School.