George Tenet is an American intelligence officer who served as the Director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) from 1997 to 2004. He played a significant role in shaping U.S. intelligence policy during a critical period, including the events leading up to the September 11 attacks in 2001. Tenet was born on January 5, 1953, in New York City and graduated from Georgetown University. He began his career in intelligence in the 1970s and held various positions within the CIA before becoming its director. After leaving the CIA, he has been involved in various advisory roles and public speaking engagements.