Bio, via White House:

James E. McPherson of Virginia to be General Counsel, Department of the Army. Mr. McPherson most recently served as the executive director of the National Association of Attorneys General, one of the oldest legal associations in the country, where he leads the professional association of the state, territorial, and District of Columbia Attorneys General. Mr. McPherson previously served as the General Counsel of the Department of Defense Counterintelligence Field Activity. A retired Rear Admiral, Mr. McPherson’s final assignment was as the 39th Judge Advocate General of the Navy. He first gained military experience as an enlisted member of the United States Army, later being commissioned as an Ensign in the Judge Advocate General’s Corps. Mr. McPherson is a recipient of the Distinguished Service Medal, the Legion of Merit, and the Meritorious Service Medal. He received his master of laws degree from the Judge Advocate General’s School of the Army, his juris doctor from the University of San Diego, School of Law, and his bachelors in public administration from San Diego State University.