I am a nationally recognized strategist, policy advisor, and expert in international security and diplomacy, with a career distinguished by translating complex challenges into consensus-driven solutions for the United States and its partners. My journey in public service has centered on delivering high-impact outcomes and actionable insights to advance U.S. interests at the global stage.
Most recently, I served as the U.S. Department of State’s South China Sea policy lead. In this role, I drove the design and execution of American maritime strategy, shaped diplomacy in contested waters, and coordinated broad-based coalitions of like-minded nations to uphold the international rule of law. My day-to-day work included briefing senior decision-makers, authoring policy documents for principal-level audiences, and conducting high-stakes negotiations in multilateral fora.
Previously, I served as Country Director for Southeast Asia in the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Policy. I led on U.S.-Philippines alliance issues and South China Sea security—spearheading expanded military access agreements, overseeing critical infrastructure policy, and supporting intelligence-diplomacy initiatives to counter malign regional influence. My work directly informed Cabinet-level engagements and drove operational improvements in alliance management.
Signature achievements throughout my career include:
- Building and leading international coalitions: I have organized and co-led diplomatic engagements involving more than 30 nations, securing alignment on major policy and regulatory objectives.
- Authoring high-impact policy and strategy documents: My work for the National Security Council and Secretary of State has been cleared at the highest levels, regularly praised for clarity, depth, and actionable recommendations.
- Innovating cross-agency and cross-organizational mechanisms: I have established institutional practices that enhanced collaboration and responsiveness across government and international stakeholders.
Prior experiences include research at Gartner and leading original academic research at Georgetown University, where my doctoral work focused on conflict, insurgency, and governance. As a published author, my analysis has appeared in academic journals and outlets like The Washington Post, reflecting my passion for rigorous, evidence-based communication.
I am best known for my coalition-building and consensus leadership; colleagues recognize my strengths in bridging divides, facilitating actionable agreements, and mentoring teams for collective achievement. I thrive on close collaboration, pursue continual growth, and bring disciplined analysis to every decision.
I hold a Ph.D. and M.A. in Government (International Relations) from Georgetown University, and a B.A. in Political Science and Arabic from The Ohio State University, summa cum laude. I maintain an active TS/SCI clearance and am proficient in Arabic and Spanish.
My core values—honesty, trust, accountability, respect, and compassion—shape every aspect of my work. I am passionate about advancing public trust, fostering inclusive teamwork, and delivering results with integrity, whether advising senior officials or coaching the next generation of public service professionals.
