October 28, 2009 Obama names Hagel, Boren as intelligence leaders Play video

(NECN: Washington) - President Barack Obama says two former senators will lead an advisory board charged with giving him unvarnished counsel about the nation's intelligence.

The president on Wednesday introduced Republican Chuck Hagel of Nebraska and Democrat David Boren of Oklahoma as co-chairmen of the President's Intelligence Advisory Board. The job of the board is to provide Obama with an independent source of advice about the effectiveness of the intelligence community.

At a Cabinet Room event, Obama said the two will report to him and have his full support.

Obama said he will announce other board members soon.

He says the quality of the intelligence system is improving, but progress is needed in collecting and sharing information.

*Material from The Associated Press used in this report*