JPG thumb ( 489x599 ) px right Valerie Plame ) ) Valerie Elise Plame Wilson , known simply as Valerie Plame , is a former officer of the Central Intelligence Agency and the author of two books related to her career . Professionally , while a covert CIA officer , she used her given first name and her maiden surname , `` Valerie Plame . '' Since leaving the CIA , as a speaker , she has used the name `` Valerie Plame Wilson , '' and she is referred to by that name in the civil suit that the Wilsons brought against former and current government officials , Plame v. Cheney .