John Barsa | Career Fed or Political Appointee? Thoughts on the Very Different Career Paths

The Moynihan Institute’s Practice of Global Politics seminar series presents John Barsa from Continental Strategy.

Two individuals can have the exact same degrees and background and make different choices whether to get jobs as a career federal employee or as a political appointee in the executive branch or in the U.S. Congress. And things will likely play out very differently for them. There isn’t a right or wrong to the decision, but the paths are very different. There are plusses and minuses to both.  

“This talk from someone who has risen through the ranks and has ‘seen it all’ (or a lot of it as least) can hopefully help you think through this issue.”  Questions and discussion are highly encouraged!

John Barsa is a partner at Continental Strategy and a leader in national security, international relations and crisis response, having held top presidential posts at DHS and USAID. A seasoned strategist, he drives and influences operations, policy development and outcomes for clients at the highest levels of government.

Barsa most recently served as the acting administrator of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the largest development agency in the world with over 10,000 employees and a budget exceeding $24 billion. He assumed this role in April 2020 at the appointment of President Trump and served as a permanent member of the Deputies Committee of the National Security Council.