John T. Godfrey

Led 95 U.S. and 600 local staff, directed four U.S. Government agencies' operations, oversaw a $70 million budget, and set priorities for $491 million in humanitarian assistance. Conducted intensive media/public engagements. Advocated for American businesses after Sudan's removal from the State Sponsor of Terrorism List. Piloted U.S. efforts to restore civilian rule and Sudan's democratic transition; when civil war instead erupted, led the evacuation of U.S. personnel, citizens, and partners, and spearheaded international efforts - in coordination with the White House, UN and bilateral partners - to end the fighting and provide humanitarian assistance. Redefined U.S. strategic priorities in light of the conflict.

As principal counterterrorism advisor to the Secretary of State, assessed national security threats, recommended courses of action, ensured direct action aligned with foreign policy goals, and engaged foreign governments, Congress and private sector partners to strengthen multilateral counterterrorism efforts, secure resources and foster public-private collaboration on issues like cybersecurity and terrorism finance. As CT Bureau's CEO, provided strategic direction to 230 staff on terrorism-related sanctions, protecting critical infrastructure, and optimizing $1 billion in programs to strengthen partners' counterterrorism capacity. Dual-hatted as U.S. Special Envoy to the 84 state Defeat ISIS Coalition; led the controversial expansion of efforts to counter ISIS and al-Qa'ida expansion in Africa, focusing on the Sahel, Gulf of Guinea, and East Africa sub-regions.

As CT Bureau's COO, was principal advisor to the CT Coordinator on all policy, personnel and management issues, supervising 230 people and $1 billion in programs. Integrated the 25-person Office of the Special Envoy to the D-ISIS Coalition into the CT Bureau, its largest organizational change in a decade.

Directed engagement of foreign and interagency partners to advance joint counterterrorism efforts, focusing on direct action, capacity building, and aligning actions. Countered Russian malign influence in Africa and Central Asia and regularly engaged media and Congress.

Principal advisor to the Chief of Mission on all policy, personnel and management issues; provided strategic direction and oversaw 370 U.S. and 600 local staff at the Embassy and two Consulates, with a $100 million operating budget. Senior official responsible for President Trump’s May 2017 visit, including three summits resulting in commitments on U.S. support for the Vision 2030 reform agenda, billions of dollars in two-way investments and countering Iran. Partnered with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and his team on judicial reform, commercial dispute resolution, and foreign investment processes.

Senior political advisor to the Ambassador, supervising 13 staff and coordinating political reporting by the Embassy and Consulates during a period that included the rise of a new Crown Prince and the advent of Houthi missile attacks against Saudi Arabia and Red Sea shipping.

Supervised the office of the Deputy Secretary, the seniormost career official in an organization of 70,000 staff at 270 diplomatic missions. Ensured the Deputy had information and recommendations needed to advance the highest foreign policy priorities of the White House and the Secretary, including bilateral Iran nuclear talks, Russia’s first invasion of Ukraine, maritime disputes with China, Egyptian security assistance, and countering ISIS's emergence. Coordinated Congressional and media engagements and collaborated closely with NSC, Defense and the intelligence community.

Led an interagency team in strengthening global nuclear testing detection capabilities and deterring weapons proliferation; coordinated with the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty Organization's 187 member states to strengthen monitoring and anti-nuclear testing norms.

Led the Northern Affairs Team, advising the Ambassador on Arab-Kurd issues, engaging northern Iraqi political leaders, providing strategic guidance to U.S. Provincial Reconstruction Team leaders, coordinating with senior U.S. military leaders, and directing related reporting and analysis. Countered malign Iranian efforts in Northern Iraq and helped U.S. companies navigate the complex political and regulatory environment to protect investments there.

Served among the first permanent staff following resumed U.S.-Libya diplomatic ties. Led engagement to dismantle Libya's chemical weapons and nuclear programs, open Libya for U.S. direct investment and restore people to people contact. Was acting DCM for 11 months and Charge d'Affaires for four; charted al-Qadhafi's effort to become a pan-African leader via African Union engagement and support for sub-Saharan African rebel groups. Part of the small team that finalized the U.S.-Libya Claims Compensation Agreement, securing $1.8 billion for victims of terrorism.

Staff Assistant to the Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs (2004-2005); Political & Economic Section Chief at the U.S. Embassy in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan (2002-2004); and Vice Consul/Political Officer at the U.S. Embassy in Damascus, Syria (1999-2001)