John Barsa

John Barsa is an American government official and business executive who served as the Acting Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) during the Trump administration. His tenure was marked by a focus on implementing the administration's foreign policy priorities, including the Mexico City Policy and a reorientation of aid to align with strategic national interests. Barsa previously held the position of Assistant Administrator for Latin America and the Caribbean at USAID, bringing private sector experience from his career in logistics and technology.

Early life and education

John Barsa was born around 1964 in New York City and was raised in a family of Cuban-American heritage. He attended Pace University in New York, where he earned a Bachelor of Business Administration degree. His educational background in business provided a foundation for his subsequent career in the private sector, working for major corporations in the fields of supply chain management and information technology prior to his government service.

Career

Before entering public service, Barsa built a lengthy career in the private sector, holding executive positions at prominent firms including CA Technologies and ModusLink Global Solutions. His work focused on global logistics, corporate strategy, and technology solutions for Fortune 500 companies. In 2017, he joined the Trump administration as a Senior Advisor in the Bureau of Legislative and Public Affairs at USAID. He later served as Chief of Staff to the USAID Administrator, advising on a wide range of issues from congressional relations to agency management, before being appointed as the Assistant Administrator for the Latin America and the Caribbean bureau in 2019.

Acting USAID Administrator

Barsa was designated as the Acting Administrator of USAID in April 2020 following the departure of Administrator Mark Green. During his tenure, which lasted until November 2020, he oversaw the agency's response to the global COVID-19 pandemic, coordinating with the White House Coronavirus Task Force and implementing the American People initiative. He was a vocal advocate for the administration's foreign aid policies, including strict enforcement of the expanded Mexico City Policy and promoting "America First" principles in development assistance. Barsa also emphasized countering the influence of adversarial nations like the People's Republic of China and the Maduro regime in Venezuela, and advocated for reforms at international bodies such as the United Nations and the World Health Organization.

Post-government career

Following the conclusion of the Trump administration, Barsa returned to the private sector. He has taken on roles as a strategic advisor and consultant, leveraging his expertise in international development, government relations, and global supply chains. He has been affiliated with consulting firms and think tanks, often speaking on topics related to Latin America, humanitarian aid policy, and the role of the private sector in development. Barsa has also been involved with political advocacy groups aligned with conservative foreign policy principles.

Personal life

John Barsa is married and has three children. He maintains a connection to his Cuban-American roots and is a resident of Florida. His personal background has frequently informed his professional perspectives on policy regarding Latin America, particularly issues related to Cuba and Venezuela. Barsa is a member of the Republican Party and is involved in various civic and community organizations.

Category:American business executives Category:United States Agency for International Development officials Category:Trump administration personnel Category:People from New York City Category:Pace University alumni Category:1960s births Category:Living people