DANIEL M. RENNA
Summary
Accomplished Foreign Service Officer with 28 years of U.S. Government service, featuring 15 years of extensive work throughout Africa. Proven expertise in political analysis, governance, conflict, and environment/health diplomacy. Recognized for producing high-impact reporting, leading interagency strategies, and mentoring diverse teams.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
Regional ESTH Officer
U.S. Government
Addis Ababa
01.2024 - Current
- Lead U.S. engagement on ESTH issues across East Africa; supervise staff; report on wildlife trafficking, IUU fishing, blue economy, and health security.
Political & ESTH Officer
U.S. Government
Abuja
01.2019 - 01.2024
- Directed Integrated Country Strategy and Mission Resource Request; reporting shaped CPC decision; advanced U.S. engagement on religious freedom and health; supervised staff.
Political-Economic Counselor
U.S. Government
Gaborone
01.2016 - 01.2019
- Advised Ambassador on governance and trade; led ICS renewal; advanced civil society-private sector ties; supervised officers and LES staff.
Senior DRC Desk Officer
U.S. Government
Washington
01.2013 - 01.2016
- Directed interagency planning for proposed U.S. Embassy Branch Office in Goma, collaborating with Embassy Kinshasa, regional bureaus, and Congolese authorities; although ultimately not approved, effort enhanced Washington’s comprehension of eastern DRC requirements.
Deputy Political Counselor
U.S. Government
Kinshasa
01.2010 - 01.2013
- Directed political reporting section; led election observation plan; reported from conflict zones; advanced justice reform and human rights.
Assistance Coordinator / Political Officer
U.S. Government
Yerevan
01.2006 - 01.2009
- Coordinated $20M assistance portfolio; reported on minority rights; engaged NGOs and government; taught university course.
Pol-Econ / Consular Officer
U.S. Government
Banjul
01.2003 - 01.2005
- Sole consular officer; reported on governance and human rights; acted as DCM during absences.
Vice Consul
U.S. Government
Bratislava
01.2001 - 01.2003
- Managed visa and ACS services; implemented security reforms; reported on NATO/EU accession issues.
Education
M.A. - International Affairs
George Washington University
Washington, DC05-1997
B.A. - History
Yeshiva University
New York, NY05-1994
Skills
- Policy writing
- Wildlife protection
- Health diplomacy and security
- Resource management
- Interagency collaboration
- Team leadership
- Analytical skills
- Economic analysis
- Political analysis
- Strategic planning
Languages
- French, Professional
- Hebrew, Professional
- Slovak, Professional
- Armenian, Limited Working
Education And Awards
- M.A. International Affairs, George Washington University
- B.A. History, Yeshiva University
- Meritorious Honor Awards, 2022, 2012
- Meritorious Step Increase, 2008
Selected Highlights
- Directed Nigeria’s Integrated Country Strategy, aligning $500M+ U.S. assistance with policy goals.
- Produced reporting on blasphemy laws that shaped Secretary of State decision to remove Nigeria from CPC list.
- Opened U.S. Embassy Branch Office in Goma, DRC, and coordinated MONUSCO mandate negotiations at UN.
- Advanced civil society–private sector partnerships in Botswana, launching Ambassador’s Business Breakfast.
- Reported from conflict zones in DRC, providing critical analysis of rebel groups and humanitarian crises.
- Supervised American and LES staff at multiple posts, mentoring junior officers and leading teams under crisis.
Languages
French
Professional
Hebrew
Professional
Slovak
Professional
Armenian
Limited
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Regional ESTH Officer
U.S. Government
01.2024 - Current
Political & ESTH Officer
U.S. Government
01.2019 - 01.2024
Political-Economic Counselor
U.S. Government
01.2016 - 01.2019
Senior DRC Desk Officer
U.S. Government
01.2013 - 01.2016
Deputy Political Counselor
U.S. Government
01.2010 - 01.2013
Assistance Coordinator / Political Officer
U.S. Government
01.2006 - 01.2009
Pol-Econ / Consular Officer
U.S. Government
01.2003 - 01.2005
Vice Consul
U.S. Government
01.2001 - 01.2003
M.A. - International Affairs
George Washington University
B.A. - History
Yeshiva University
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