Safiya
Ghori-Ahmad

Safiya Ghori-Ahmad, a Senior Director, Global Public Affairs, DC Lead, has a deep understanding and command of the intricate relationships at the intersection of government and business in the United States and key markets around the world. She brings a strong global network of key corporate and government leaders and a proven track record of formulating successful market entry strategies as well as government relations and corporate development strategies. She has particular experience in connections in and relating to India and wider South Asia.

Prior to joining APCO, Safiya served as a senior managing director at McLarty Associates, where she advised global investors and multinational companies on government affairs and go-to-market strategies—maintaining a broad range of commercial and government contacts globally.

Safiya has nearly a decade of experience in the U.S. Government, working on critical regulatory and policy issues around the world with a focus on South Asia. High-level government leaders—including secretaries of state and senators—have relied on Safiya’s sage counsel to make impactful decisions.

Safiya previously served on the staff of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, covering South and Central Asia. She also served in the State Department as an advisor on South Asia under Secretaries Clinton and Kerry. She began her State Department career in the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor, where she managed portfolios in South Asia and traveled extensively throughout the region promoting good governance, transparency, and the rule of law.​

Safiya regularly speaks on topics related to trade and tariffs, foreign policy, and women’s economic empowerment, including at the Aspen Ideas Festival, SXSW, the Council on Foreign Relations, and the Festival of the Diaspora.

​Safiya currently serves as a Nonresident Senior Fellow at the Atlantic Council, a founding member of CHIEF DC, a network of female executives, and on the Concordia Advisory Board. She also serves on the Dean’s Advisory Board for both the Clinton School of Public Service and the Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Arkansas, her alma mater. She is an Arkansas native and received her JD/MA from the University of Arkansas. She speaks Hindi, Urdu, and intermediate Arabic.