Laura Cressey

Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary for Regional Security Bureau of Political-Military Affairs

U.S. Department of State

Laura Cressey, a member of the Senior Executive Service, and joined the office in 2013, serving as Team Lead for Europe and the Western Hemisphere, Deputy Director, and Acting Director until she was appointed Director in 2021. She is responsible for overseeing more than $50 billion in annual worldwide arms transfers; developing global and country- and technology-specific arms transfer policies; managing global regional security issues; and conducting multiple political-military dialogues around the world. She has been the Bureau lead on strengthening and improving partnerships with U.S. industry to advance foreign policy and national security goals.

Laura worked in the private sector for Booz Allen Hamilton, consulting on a variety of defense and intelligence issues, and for Georgetown University advising graduate students on careers in the international sector. Her book, Careers in International Affairs, 9th edition, was published in 2014. She received her M.S. in Foreign Service from Georgetown University and a B.A. in International Affairs and History from Tufts University.

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