Katherine (Kat) Walsh is a seasoned foreign policy strategist with deep experience across government, civil society, and the private sector. Recognized for her political acumen and ability to bridge diverse perspectives, she develops practical strategies that drive impact in complex global environments.

At Freedom House, Kat reported directly to the President and COO on strategic foresight, stakeholder engagement, and performance. She created the organization’s first impact report and streamlined planning processes to better align evidence, policy, and communications.

Previously, as Senior Foreign Affairs Advisor and Strategist to the Administrator of USAID, Kat guided crisis and policy strategies related to the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, China deterrence, supply chain vulnerabilities, and peacebuilding in the Sahel. She also helped shape U.S. responses to the global implications of COVID-19 economies and democracies, coordinating closely with the Departments of Defense, State, Treasury, and the Intelligence Community.

Earlier, Kat served at the White House as Director for Human Rights, Democracy, and Conflict Mitigation, leading interagency initiatives on sanctions, U.N. engagement, and the development of major U.S. government strategies on fragile states, peacebuilding, and atrocity prevention—totaling over one billion dollars in implementation funding. She received a White House award for advancing women’s inclusion in peace processes.

Kat began her career as a strategist on Afghanistan and Pakistan affairs, working between Washington and in-country to align policy with on-the-ground realities.

She holds a master’s degree in Conflict Mitigation from Trinity College Dublin and a bachelor’s degree in Cultural Anthropology from Miami University of Ohio.