Joan Ohara

About Joan Ohara

Throughout my career, I’ve had the good fortune to work with some of the most prominent leaders in government, business, and athletics. I’ve used that experience to inform my point of view in building and leading teams of my own. An expert in varied disciplines, I synthesize my knowledge to provide unique insight, create innovative strategies, and foster positive disruption. As an athlete, I was a U.S. National Champion in sculling and an award-winning Head Coach, leading NCAA Rowing teams to record-setting seasons, conference championship titles, and a #1 National Ranking. In Washington, I’ve served as Deputy Assistant to the President and Executive Secretary of the National Security Council; Deputy National Security Advisor to the Vice President; and General Counsel to the House Committee on Homeland Security. In the private sector, I helped to build a team that is blazing the trail in the nascent field of immersive technology, and shaping the future of technology policy. The common threads running through my career have been passion and curiosity. As a leader, passion has enabled me to lead by example and become a mentor to those I have the privilege to manage. I’ve had the opportunity to inspire people around me and chart a course for success. Curiosity has made me a student of life and ever eager to expand my knowledge and understanding. Open-mindedness and objectivity have allowed me to think creatively, and become a trusted advisor to athletes, executives, and influencers.

Experience

1. General Counsel

   U.S. House Of Representatives

   Jun 2025 — Present

   Committee on Foreign Affairs

Education

• New York Law School

  JD, cum laude, International Law, Constitutional Law and Public Policy

  2008 — 2011

• Loyola University Maryland

  BA, Art History

• San Diego State University

  MA, Liberal Arts and Sciences