George Piro Athlete Speaker BJJ MMA UFC FBI Leadership Veteran

Speaker and professional George Piro smiling, black shirt

Get to know

george pirO

Dedicated TO SERVICE

In over three decades working in law enforcement, George has served in the Air Force, as a Police Officer, as a Criminal Investigator, as the Team Lead of FBI interrogation efforts against Saddam Hussein, as Deputy Assistant Director of the Weapons of Mass Destruction Directorate, as Director of the High-Value Detainee Interrogation Group, as Assistant Special Agent in Charge of the International Terrorism Branch, as Special Agent in Charge of the Miami FBI Field Office, and as the Supervisor of the Washington Field Office's Joint Terrorism Task Force.

determined to succeed

George Piro was born and raised in Beirut, Lebanon, until he and his family found their hometown engulfed by the Lebanese Civil War. At only 12 years old, he was forced to leave his home, escaping with his family to the United States. He credits the unwavering determination, courage, hard work, and discipline exemplified by his parents as setting the standard in his own life. Despite challenging circumstances, George was determined to succeed. He became a U.S. Citizen at 17 years old, graduated with his Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice from Chapman University, and then with his Master of Arts from Georgetown University in Arab Studies.

mission to give back

After retiring from the FBI, George is committed to giving back even further to the community. On a mission to spread motivation, his learned strategies for success, and the values he learned from his parents, he dedicates his time providing motivational speaking services, leadership instruction, and consulting services. Physical health and fitness are also extremely important to George, with Jiu-Jitsu being one of his favorite ways to stay fit- both physically and mentally.

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TESTIMONIALS

RESOURCES

30+ YEARS OF SERVICE: CAREER & ACHIEVEMENTS

unRIVALED LEADERSHIP

George served as the supervisor of the Washington DC Field Office's Joint Terrorism Task Force before assuming the role of the Assistant Special Agent in Charge of the International Terrorism Branch. He also served as the Deputy Assistant Director of the Weapons of Mass Destruction Directorate and the Director of the High-Value Detainee Interrogation Group.

In 2014, George became the Special Agent in Charge in Miami: the FBI's fourth largest field office. Here, he managed counterterrorism, criminal, cyber, and counterintelligence programs. Simultaneously, he provided leadership to over 900 employees, managed extraterritorial responsibilities extending across Central and South America and the Caribbean, and led the FBI’s Legal Attache Program.

EARLY accomplishments

George served in the U.S. Air Force before becoming a police officer in 1989, and then a criminal investigator in 1997. In March of 1999, George entered into duty as a Special Agent in the Federal Bureau of Investigations, and within four years was selected to serve on the FBI's elite Counterterrorism Rapid Deployment Team. In 2004, with only five years of FBI experience, George led interrogation efforts against Saddam Hussein, marking the first time in history that the FBI interrogated a significant head of state in their own home country.

AWARD-WINNING EXCELLENCE

Throughout his career, George has been recognized and awarded numerous times at national and global levels for his exceptional contributions. These accolades speak volumes about his dedication to excellence in every task he takes on.

Extremely selective award that recognizes a significant act of service and contribution to the United States Intelligence Community and the United States.
Learn More: Intelligence Community Directive
Considered the most prestigious award within the Federal Bureau of Investigations; awarded for exceptional national contributions made.
Learn More: FBI Awards Program Policy Guide
Recognize significant contributions made towards protecting US Citizens from hate crimes, extremism, and domestic and international terrorism.
Learn More: The Anti-Defamation League
Honors FBI employees that “exemplify service and dedication serving in harm’s way” by serving in a war zone for 90 consecutive days or more.
Learn more: FBI Awards Program Policy Guide
Recognizes FBI employees for acts of heroism, bravery, valor, and meritorious achievement.
Learn more: FBI Awards Program Policy Guide
Read: The 10 Greatest FBI Agents in History

George Piro via linkedin
Piro and fellow veterans when deployed in IRaq
SOCSOUTH via Facebook
Naples Daily News

CHAMPION ON & OFF THE MAT: BRAZILIAN JIU JITSU

BACKGROUND IN MARTIAL ARTS

George was first introduced to martial arts in his hometown of Beirut, Lebanon as a young child. After escaping the Lebanese Civil War at 12 years old, Piro took up karate in his new hometown of Turlock, California. He continued karate throughout his 20’s before being introduced to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in 2014- which he quickly fell in love with.

LIFE APPLICATIONS

As a former law enforcement officer, George emphasizes the value of jiu jitsu’s non-violent, de-escalatory, and self-defensive tactics. In an interview with Muscle and Fitness Magazine, he explained, “Brazilian Jiu Jitsu essentially allows a smaller individual to defend him or herself against a larger, stronger opponent. There was also a study done by the LAPD back in the ‘90s, which I would argue is still very accurate, showing that over 90% of law enforcement physical altercations end up on the ground. As an FBI agent, or just a law enforcement officer in general, your goal is to control or subdue your opponent with minimal injuries to the suspect or to you. So, jiu jitsu is probably the most practical, applicable, martial arts for law enforcement” (2023).

BECOMING A CHAMPION

In 2022, George won a first place title at the IBJJF (International Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Federation) World No-Gi Championship in the Master 5 Purple Middle Weight Division. Today, he continues to train and compete as a member of American Top Team.