Over the past few days, I have seen several former intelligence and law enforcement officials attack the nomination of Gina Haspel as the next director of the CIA. These individuals either do not know Haspel or do not know her well. Further, they have no firsthand knowledge of her role and her actions during the period for which she is being criticized.

I do. I worked closely with her for many years and know that she is the right person to lead the CIA as the agency addresses a world of threats.

The Gina Haspel I know is a courageous leader, a selfless officer, and someone devoted to the men and women she has worked with and led. Haspel was the chief of staff when I was the No. 2 person in the agency’s clandestine service in 2004 and 2005. In that role, she excelled at carrying out the directives of agency leadership and keeping us informed of the views, concerns and needs of the men and women serving the Directorate of Operations around the world.