Priya Aiyar, 41
Acting General Counsel, U.S. Department of the Treasury
Hometown: El Cerrito, CA
How did you get here?
The answer to that question could start anywhere! But my path to the administration started, after law school, with clerking for two brilliant judges and then spending several years in private practice with top-notch colleagues.
Who or what has been the greatest influence on your career?
My parents. Not because they steered me in any particular direction but because, like so many, they came to the U.S. with not much more than their suitcases and worked hard both to build their own careers and to give me the opportunities that enabled my career.
What do you consider your greatest accomplishment during the Obama administration?
As Treasury’s counsel, defending the actions that policymakers here and elsewhere took to stem the financial crisis and lay the foundation for economic recovery, and supporting the agency’s continuing efforts to strengthen the economy and prevent a future crisis.
Can you describe your time working for the Obama administration in 10 words?
The most rewarding job I’ve had, tied with clerking.
Complete the sentence: “When I’m not working, I…”
Mostly try to maximize time with friends and family!
Follow NBC Asian America on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Tumblr.
