Michael Hayden is a retired four-star general in the United States Air Force and served as the director of both the National Security Agency (NSA) and the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). He played a significant role in shaping U.S. intelligence and security policies during his tenure, particularly in the aftermath of the September 11 attacks. Hayden was born on March 17, 1945, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He graduated from the University of Pittsburgh and later earned a master's degree from George Washington University. After a distinguished military career, he became a prominent figure in discussions about national security and intelligence reform.