Algene T. Sajery*

A trailblazing architect of U.S. foreign policy and international strategy, with more than two decades of influence at the highest levels of government, diplomacy, and global development.

Algene Sajery has held pivotal roles both in and on behalf of the U.S. Senate, executive branch, and nonprofit sphere, where she has shaped legislation, brokered international partnerships, and advanced global initiatives with enduring impact. As the former democratic policy director for the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and a senior leader at the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation, Algene has steered transformative efforts on national security and foreign assistance. Her leadership has helped shape U.S. engagement on foreign military sales, cybersecurity, democratic governance, and humanitarian priorities across continents.

A strategist with sharp political acumen and cross-sector fluency, Algene operates at the intersection of law, diplomacy, and economic development. Her portfolio reflects a rare combination of policy precision and global perspective, public-private partnerships, and international institution building. Whether advising on Africa-focused investment frameworks or guiding legislative strategy on Capitol Hill, she brings a refined ability to synthesize competing interests into actionable outcomes.

As a senior advisor for International Affairs at GrayRobinson, Algene equips clients with the tools to navigate fast-evolving geopolitical environments. Her credibility with U.S. and foreign decisionmakers makes her an indispensable partner for institutions aiming to lead with both purpose and influence.

* Denotes non-attorney professional

• Notable Work
  • Lead staff author or negotiator of key national security laws, including the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act, Syrian War Crimes and Accountability Act, Elie Wiesel Genocide and Atrocities Prevention Act, the Global Food Security Act, the Electrify Africa Act, the Women’s Entrepreneurship and Economic Empowerment (WEEE) Act. and the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act 
• Recognition
  • Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), Power50 U.S. National Security and Foreign Affairs Leaders, 2022
  • Visiting Fellow, The National Security Institute, Antonin Scalia Law School, George Mason University
• Insights
  • “Reimagining U.S. Global Health Initiatives,” Global Health Council, November 19, 2020
  • “The Senate Confirmation Process: It’s Not Over Until It’s Over,” Leadership Council for Women in National Security (LCWINS), September 21, 2020
  • “The Future of U.S. Foreign Policy & National Security,” AJC Access, American Jewish Committee (AJC), August 27, 2020
• Media
  • “Economically Empowering Women: A Chat with the DFC's Algene Sajery,” U.S. Global Leadership Coalition (USGLC), April 5, 2022
  • “Transition 2021: What Awaits Biden on Capitol Hill?,” The President’s Inbox, Council on Foreign Relations, January 19, 2021
• Affiliations
  • Catalyst Global Strategies, LLC
    • Founder and CEO
  • Global Health Council
    • Board of Directors
  • Leadership Council for Women in National Security
    • Board of Directors
  • U.S. House of Representatives, Foreign Affairs Committee
    • Subcommittee on Africa, Global Health, and Human Rights
      • Staff Director, 2010-2012
  • U.S. House of Representatives, Congresswoman Yvette Clarke (NY)
    • Chief of Staff and Legislative Director, 2008-2010
  • U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC)
    • Vice President, Office of External Affairs, 2021-2022
  • U.S. Senate, Committee on Foreign Relations
    • Democratic Policy Director, 2015-2018
  • U.S. Senate, Senator Ben Cardin (MD)
    • Senior Foreign Policy and National Security Advisor, 2012-2020
• Credentials
  • Certification, Senior Executives in National and International Security, Harvard University, 2020
  • B.A., Howard University, 1999
  • Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS/SCI) Clearance