Dafna Rand

Dr. Rand served as the US Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor until January 2025. Previously, she directed the US State Department’s Office of Foreign Assistance, overseeing $70 billion in annual U.S. foreign aid. Rand has held multiple positions in the US government, including Deputy Assistant Secretary of State, member of the Secretary’s Policy Planning staff, and National Security Council official. Additionally, she served as a professional staff member of the US Senate Select Committee on Intelligence (SSCI). Outside of government, Rand’s research and publications have focused on international security and democratic reform, particularly in the Middle East and North Africa, with two books on the subject. She has also held leadership roles at Mercy Corps and the Center for a New American Security (CNAS).