Richard Verma Named Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources

Cambridge, MA – Richard Verma, former Senior Fellow with Harvard Kennedy School’s Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs, was sworn in on April 5 as Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources, the third-highest position in the U.S. Department of State. He was nominated by President Biden in December 2022 and confirmed by the Senate on March 30. 

A former Ambassador to India with extensive government and private sector experience, Verma led numerous discussions while at the Belfer Center on the critical U.S.-India bilateral relationship. As a senior fellow from 2018 until his appointment to the State Department, he also mentored students interested in pursuing careers in diplomacy. 

"We are pleased to congratulate Rich Verma on his confirmation to one of the most consequential positions in the State Department,” said Belfer Center Director Eric Rosenbach. “From his service as the first Indian-American Ambassador to India, his work on the U.S.-India civilian nuclear deal, his meritorious service in the U.S. Air Force, and now, in his new position as Deputy Secretary of State, Rich exemplifies dedication to public service.”    

As Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources, Verma serves as Chief Operating Officer of the Department and as principal adviser to the Secretary on overall supervision and direction of resource allocation and management.  

Prior to his new appointment, Verma was the General Counsel and Head of Global Public Policy for Mastercard as well as serving as a Belfer Center Senior Fellow. He was the U.S. Ambassador to India from 2014-2017 and is credited with deepening and expanding U.S.-India bilateral ties. Earlier, he served as Assistant Secretary of State for Legislative Affairs following several years as National Security Adviser to the Senate majority leader. He was also a Commissioner on the Weapons of Mass Destruction and Terrorism Commission and co-author of the Commission’s landmark report, “World at Risk.” 

A veteran of the U.S. Air Force, Verma is the recipient of both the Meritorious Service Medal – presented to members of the United States Armed Forces who distinguish themselves by outstanding meritorious achievement or service – and the State Department's Distinguished Service Award.