Fast Facts
- U.S. Ambassador to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (2022-2024)
- Former chair, Harris-Walz presidential transition planning effort
- Former chief of staff and executive secretary, U.S. National Security Council
- Former executive director, Biden-Harris presidential transition
- Expertise on U.S. government, the White House, management, Southeast Asia, national security, presidential transitions
Areas Of Expertise
- Foreign Affairs
- Asia
- Governance
- Politics
- The Presidency
Ambassador Yohannes Abraham served as the U.S. ambassador to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) from 2022-2024 after being unanimously confirmed by the U.S. Senate. During his tenure, the United States and ASEAN upgraded their relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, significantly expanded people-to-people programs, and deepened cooperation across a range of key issues, including cybersecurity and health security. At the conclusion of his tenure in Jakarta, Abraham served as chair of the Harris-Walz presidential transition planning effort.
Prior to serving as U.S. ambassador to ASEAN, Abraham served as chief of staff and executive secretary of the National Security Council. In this role, he oversaw operations, communications, the facilitation of the national security policy process, and the White House Situation Room. Previously, Abraham was the executive director of the Biden-Harris Transition.
Earlier in his career, Abraham worked on then-Senator Barack Obama's first presidential campaign in various roles, including as Virginia field director. He went on to serve in several White House roles during the Obama Administration, including as senior advisor to the National Economic Council and as deputy assistant to the president for intergovernmental affairs and public engagement. He later helped set up the Obama Foundation as interim chief operating officer.
Abraham has also worked in the Vanguard Group’s global investment unit and taught at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government. He is a former member of the Board of Visitors of the Virginia Community College System.
Born in Alexandria, Virginia and raised in Springfield, Virginia, Abraham holds a BA from Yale College and an MBA with High Distinction from Harvard Business School.