Harry K. Thomas, Jr.

Ambassador Harry K. Thomas Jr. is a Kissinger Senior Fellow at Yale University’s Jackson School of Global Affairs and its International Security Studies research hub. He is also a Senior Advisor for Orbis Operations and EEC Solutions. He was a Strategic Engagement Leader at Special Operations Command. Ambassador Thomas served as ambassador to Zimbabwe (2016-2018), the Philippines (2010-2013) and Bangladesh (2003-2005), retiring in March 2018 with the rank of Career Minister after more than three decades in the Foreign Service. He 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. 

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 has served as the commencement speaker at Holy Cross and Loyola University. He is a Trustee of The Asia Foundation, the National Committee on American Foreign Policy, the Stimson Center, the American Red Cross of Central Florida, the College of the Holy Cross, the American Academy of Diplomacy, and Care for the Homeless; serves as Chairperson of Winter4Kids; and is a former Northern Virginia Swimming Official.

Courses Taught