Marie Harf (born June 26, 1976) is an American public affairs professional and former government official. She is best known for her service as a spokesperson for the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) from 2015 to 2017 and her subsequent role as a senior communications adviser at the United States Department of State.
Early life and education
Harf was born in San Francisco, California. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from Stanford University, followed by a Master of Arts in public policy from the Harvard Kennedy School.
Career
-
Early career: Harf began her professional career working on political campaigns and for nonprofit organizations focusing on public policy. She served as a senior staff member on the 2012 re‑election campaign of President Barack Obama.
-
State Department: In 2014, Harf joined the U.S. Department of State as a senior adviser for strategic communications. She was responsible for advising senior officials on public affairs strategy and media relations.
-
CIA spokesperson: In March 2015, Harf was appointed as the CIA’s principal deputy director of public affairs and agency spokesperson. In this capacity, she represented the agency in press briefings, testified before congressional committees, and managed the CIA’s public communications strategy. She held the position until the end of the Obama administration in January 2017.
-
Post‑government work: After leaving government service, Harf entered the private sector, assuming roles in public affairs consulting and serving on the boards of several nonprofit organizations. She has also contributed commentary on national security and foreign policy issues to major media outlets.
Publications and media appearances
Harf has written op‑eds for publications such as The Washington Post and The New York Times, and she frequently appears on television networks to discuss intelligence and diplomatic matters.
Personal life
Harf is married and resides in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area. Details about her family are kept private.
Recognition
She has been recognized for her contributions to public communication and national security through various professional awards and speaking engagements at academic institutions and policy forums.
