President Joe Biden has nominated Richard Verma, an experienced federal leader, for the Department of State’s deputy secretary for management and resources, the White House announced last week.
During the Obama administration, Verma served as the U.S. Ambassador to India, a role in which he facilitated nine meetings between both nations’ leaders, effectively bringing about over 100 new initiatives and over 40 dialogues between the two governments. He also served as assistant secretary of state for legislative affairs.
Prior to these roles, Verma was national security advisor to U.S. Senator Harry Reid during his time as democratic whip minority leader and later majority leader of the Senate.
He was previously appointed to the president’s Intelligence Advisory Board and has served as a member of the Weapons of Mass Destruction and Terrorism Commission.
Verma is also a veteran of the U.S. Air Force, where he served as a judge advocate. He has received the Meritorious Service Medal and the Air Force Commendation Medal for his military achievements.
Other recognitions Verma has received throughout his career include the Distinguished Service Medal from the State Department and the International Affairs Fellowship from the Council of Foreign Relations.
Within the private sector, he has worked in numerous law firms and business organizations. He currently serves as chief legal officer and head of global public policy at Mastercard, where he leads the company’s law and policy work at both the domestic and international levels.
Verma has previously held attorney, partner and senior counselor roles at Steptoe & Johnson. He has also served as a senior counselor for Albright Stonebridge group and as vice chairman of The Asia Group.
The executive is currently a trustee of the Ford Foundation and serves on multiple other boards, including the National Endowment for Democracy and Lehigh University.
