The Policymakers
John Bryson Secretary of Commerce As Secretary of Commerce, John Bryson is responsible for developing and ensuring America’s foreign and domestic economic interests. He is also responsible for reaching out and engaging the business community in expanding economic opportunities and improving market access, both domestically and internationally. Formerly the Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President [...]
William “Bill” Burns Deputy Secretary of State for Policy As Deputy Secretary of State for Policy, Mr. Burns will serve as the second ranking official at the State Department and will be responsible for helping the Secretary of State create and execute the most important foreign policy decisions. He previously served as the Under Secretary [...]
General David Petraeus Director of the Central Intelligence Agency (confirmed) General Patraeus now leads the CIA, where his principal responsibility is to advise President Obama on intelligence matters related to national security. General Petraeus was largely responsible for the integration of diplomacy and development strategies into U.S. military objectives and practices in the wars in [...]
Marisa Lago Assistant Secretary for International Markets and Development
Steven Chu Secretary of Energy Dr. Steven Chu is a distinguished scientist and co-winner of the Nobel Prize for Physics (1997). He has devoted his recent scientific career to the search for new solutions to our energy challenges and stopping global climate change – a mission he continues with even greater urgency as Secretary of [...]
Joseph “Joe” Biden Vice President of the United States As Vice President of the United States, Joe Biden is one of the President’s top aides on international issues and represents the United States in many international arenas. Biden was a Senator from Delaware for thirty-six years before becoming Vice President, and served twelve years as [...]
Rajiv Shah U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Administrator In June 2009, Rajiv Shah began serving in the Obama administration as Under Secretary for Research, Education and Economics and Chief Scientist at the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Now USAID Administrator, Shah will become the country’s primary voice on international development and foreign assistance. At the [...]
Ron Kirk U.S. Trade Representative Ambassador Ron Kirk serves as President Obama’s principal trade advisor and is responsible for developing and coordinating U.S. international trade policy. A member of the cabinet, Kirk also serves in leadership positions at three agencies: the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC), the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), and the Export-Import Bank. [...]
Leon Panetta Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta is now the Secretary of Defense, where his principal responsibility is to oversee the Department of Defense and advise President Obama on national security. Panetta, the former Director of the CIA, worked with the 2006 Iraq Study Group to recommend that long-term, diplomatic engagement become a cornerstone of [...]
Tom Donilon National Security Advisor As National Security Advisor, Tom Donilon oversees the National Security Council, through which the President considers national security and foreign policy matters with advisors and cabinet officials. The NSC also coordinates cross-governmental strategies, policymaking, and projects, including the new Presidential Study Directive on Global Development Policy. As of 01/25/11
