Rachel is the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Programs and Operations in the Bureau of Political-Military Affairs (PM). In this capacity, she oversees the Office of Global Programs and Initiatives (GPI) and the Office of Weapons Removal and Abatement (WRA) where she is responsible for security assistance programs and policies that strengthen security sector governance, build capacity of foreign partners to respond to peacekeeping operations worldwide, address the threat of landmines and unexploded ordnance, and prevent illicit proliferation of small arms and light weapons, including man-portable air defense systems (MANPADS).
Rachel is a career member of the Senior Executive Service and has served in multiple positions in the Department of State, including as the Director of the Office of Management Policy and Resources in the Bureau of International Organization Affairs (IO); the Chief of Staff and Director of Strategy and Resource Coordination for the Bureau of Political-Military Affairs; the Senior Advisor for Peacekeeping in IO; in the Office of the Special Envoy to the Great Lakes Region of Africa; in the Bureau of Conflict and Stabilization Operations; and in IO’s Office of UN Political Affairs.
Before joining the State Department, Rachel was an advisor to the United Nations and the World Bank, where she worked intensively on the Aceh peace process in Indonesia. She also worked for the International Rescue Committee providing humanitarian assistance in conflict zones across Indonesia. She holds a Ph.D. and a Master’s degree from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy in international conflict resolution, negotiation, and mediation, and a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Pennsylvania. Rachel is a 2020-2021 International Women’s Forum Fellow.