Michael A. Needham

About Michael A. Needham

Michael A. Needham is the 37th Counselor of the U.S. Department of State and also serves as Director of Policy Planning. Previously, Needham served as Chairman of American Compass, a think tank committed to restoring an economic consensus that emphasizes the importance of family, community, and industry to American liberty and prosperity. He was previously Chief of Staff to United States Senator Marco Rubio where, among other accomplishments, he led the team that conceived of, created and helped implement the Paycheck Protection Program. Before that, he was the Chief Executive Officer of Heritage Action for America. A native of New York, Needham is a former Chief of Staff to Heritage Foundation President Ed Feulner. He also served as director of Heritage\'s Asian Study Center before leaving to take a post in Rudy Giuliani\'s 2008 presidential campaign. He holds a MBA from Stanford\'s Graduate School of Business and a B.A. in Economics and Political Science from Williams College.Specialties: Non-Profit Management, Public Policy, Political Campaigning

Experience

1. Director of Policy Planning

   U.S. Department Of State

   Sep 2025 — Present

Education

• Williams College

  BA, Political Science & Economics

  2000 — 2004

• Stanford University Graduate School of Business

  MBA

  2008 — 2010

Skills

• Entrepreneurship
• Public Speaking
• Political Campaigns
• Public Policy
• Strategic Communications
• Politics
• Grassroots Organizing
• Policy
• Political Consulting
• Editing
• Legislation
• Public Relations
• Media Relations
• Policy Analysis
• Speech Writing
• International Relations
• Non-Profits
• Economic Development
• Leadership
• Social Media
• Research
• Political Communication
• Coalitions
• Government
• Nonprofits
• Foreign Policy
• Policy Writing
• Community Outreach
• Legislative Relations
• Political Science
• Fundraising