Amb. Harry K. Thomas Jr.
Senior Fellow, Yale University’s Jackson Institute for Global Affairs
Sessions: Closing Plenary (Day 1, Afternoon)
Senior Fellow, Yale University’s Jackson Institute for Global Affairs
Sessions: Closing Plenary (Day 1, Afternoon)
Ambassador Harry K. Thomas Jr. is a Senior Fellow at Yale University’s Jackson Institute for Global Affairs and a Senior Strategic Engagement Leader at Special Operations Command. He served as ambassador to Zimbabwe (2016-2018), the Philippines (2010-2013) and Bangladesh (2003-2005). He retired in March 2018 with the rank of Career Minister after more than three decades in the Foreign Service. Ambassador Thomas also served as Executive Secretary and Special Assistant to Secretary Rice, Director General of the Foreign Service, Director for South Asia at the National Security Council and Director of the Operations Center. He is the recipient of numerous awards including the Career Achievement, the State Department’s Highest Award, and the Arnold Raphel Award for Mentoring Subordinates.
The son of a social worker and a WWII and Korean War Veteran Ambassador Thomas grew up in Queens, NYC. Ambassador Thomas speaks Spanish, Hindi, and Bangla. He is a graduate of the College of the Holy Cross and holds a master’s degree from Columbia University. He was the Commencement Speaker at Holy Cross and Loyola University. He is a Trustee of the College of the Holy Cross, the American Academy of Diplomacy, The Asia Foundation, Care for the Homeless and, Chairperson of Winter4Kids and is a former Northern Virginia Swimming Official. He is a member of the American College of National Security Leaders. He is a fervent and long-suffering NY Giants, Mets, and Knicks fan. He is married to Mithi Aquino-Thomas and they have three adult children.
The son of a social worker and a WWII and Korean War Veteran Ambassador Thomas grew up in Queens, NYC. Ambassador Thomas speaks Spanish, Hindi, and Bangla. He is a graduate of the College of the Holy Cross and holds a master’s degree from Columbia University. He was the Commencement Speaker at Holy Cross and Loyola University. He is a Trustee of the College of the Holy Cross, the American Academy of Diplomacy, The Asia Foundation, Care for the Homeless and, Chairperson of Winter4Kids and is a former Northern Virginia Swimming Official. He is a member of the American College of National Security Leaders. He is a fervent and long-suffering NY Giants, Mets, and Knicks fan. He is married to Mithi Aquino-Thomas and they have three adult children.