Omar Daniel Khan, 34
Assistant U.S Trade Representative, Intergovernmental Affairs and Public Engagement
Hometown: Tampa, FL.
How did you get here?
Although so many of my previous experiences led to the opportunity to work on the Presidents Trade Agenda, I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t work on then-Senator Obama’s campaign in 2008. The 2008 campaign had a profound impact not only on my career but also on my belief in effecting positive change through our political process. After that campaign, I served the Obama Administration in senior public engagement, congressional, and intergovernmental affairs roles at the Environmental Protection Agency, the Hurricane Sandy Rebuilding Task Force, and the U.S Department of Housing and Urban Development. I worked on the President's re-election campaign as the National Associate Political Director. I was also the Director of State and Local Government Relations for 2013 Presidential Inaugural Committee (PIC). More recently I worked in my home state, Florida, as the campaign manager for former Governor Charlie Crist before returning to the administration for my current role.
Who or what has been the greatest influence on your career?
My parents. At 18 years old, my father came to this country as an immigrant from Pakistan with less than $100. My mother and father both emphasized the importance of hard work, perseverance, and empathy. Those values shaped who I am today and sparked my interest in public service.
What do you consider your greatest accomplishment during the Obama administration?
In my current role, I helped ensure the passage of Trade Promotion Authority by helping develop and execute a stakeholder engagement strategy in close coordination with the White House Office of Public Engagement. This required us to build a diverse and robust coalition of supporters that included over a hundred mayors and local elected officials, NGO's advocating on the environment and worker's rights, and prominent national security leaders in states across the country. In addition, as Director of Congressional and Intergovernmental Relations for the White House’s Hurricane Sandy Rebuilding Task Force, I worked with federal, state, and local officials on the Administration’s effort to help rebuild the Sandy-impacted region. The recommendations provided by the Task Force were accepted and are currently guiding rebuilding efforts in the region, in part, because of our extensive efforts to secure buy-in from elected officials in the impacted region.
Can you describe your time working for the Obama administration in 10 words?
Fortunate to impact the American people's lives through public service.
Complete the sentence: “When I’m not working, I…”
I enjoy spending time with family and friends.
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