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Lesley Stone
Senior Advisor, Department of State and USAID
Professional Background
Lesley Stone is a highly regarded expert in foreign assistance with extensive experience in policy and global health. With a distinguished career spanning multiple influential roles, she has dedicated her professional life to empowering global communities through strategic leadership and innovative policy development. Lesley’s comprehensive understanding of the complexities of global health and foreign assistance positions her as a thought leader in the field, and her people-centered approach makes her an asset to every team she joins.
With her logical mindset, Lesley has repeatedly demonstrated her ability to create clarity in challenging and multifaceted environments. Her creative and entrepreneurial spirit allows her to foster an atmosphere where new ideas can flourish, and she relies heavily on data to inform her decisions, ensuring that initiatives are well-grounded in evidence-based practices. Throughout her career, she has developed a reputation for being results-driven and focused on collaboration, making her a sought-after advisor and collaborator in the realm of health policy and governance.
Education and Achievements
Lesley Stone's educational foundation is notable, having pursued a Doctor of Law (JD) at the prestigious Harvard Law School, where she honed her analytical skills and deepened her understanding of legal frameworks governing public policy. Expanding her leadership capabilities, she completed a Zuckerman Fellowship at the Harvard Kennedy School, which bolstered her strategic thinking and ability to effectuate change in governmental and organizational contexts.
Her academic pursuits have complemented her professional journey, providing her with a robust background to navigate the intersections of law, policy, and health systems effectively.
Professional Experience
Lesley has held several pivotal positions throughout her career, contributing to a wide range of initiatives in the U.S. government and beyond. As a Senior Advisor at the Foreign Service Institute within the U.S. Department of State (detailed from USAID), she plays a crucial role in shaping foreign policy and international development strategies. In her former role as Managing Director of Policy (Acting) at USAID, she led significant policy initiatives that have had lasting impacts on global health and governance.
Previously, she has also served as a Senior Advisor for Global Health at USAID, where she was instrumental in orchestrating efforts to improve health systems and access to health services worldwide. Additionally, her expertise was further demonstrated in her capacity as a Governance Specialist with the Office of Health Systems at USAID, where she contributed substantially to the integration of governance principles into health policy frameworks.
Lesley's foundational experiences at USAID were preceded by her role as a Health Policy and Legislative Analyst, where she provided critical insights and analyses that influenced legislative actions surrounding health issues. Prior to her governmental career, she served as the Executive Director at Scientists and Engineers for America, promoting sound science and evidence-based policymaking.
In the political sphere, Lesley worked as a Senior Legislative Assistant for Congresswoman Jane Harman at the U.S. House of Representatives, where she advised on pivotal health and science legislation. She also held the position of Deputy Director at Scientists and Engineers for America, further advocating for intelligent governance rooted in scientific understanding.
Lesley has a passion for mentoring the next generation of leaders in her field, which led her to temporarily step into academia as a Professorial Lecturer at Georgetown University's Walsh School of Foreign Service. Her role as a Senior Fellow in Public Health at Georgetown University Law Center reflects her commitment to advancing knowledge in public health law, as she engages with students and faculty to bridge the gap between theory and practice.
Earlier in her career, she was an Associate at Steptoe & Johnson, where she gained invaluable experience in legal matters pertaining to health policy and governance.
Achievements
Lesley’s remarkable trajectory in public service and international development has yielded significant contributions to the fields of global health and foreign assistance. Her efforts have consistently aimed at elevating the standards of health policy and implementing effective governance structures that enhance service delivery at both local and national levels.
Aligned with her work, Lesley's participation in high-level meetings and her engagement with diverse stakeholders—including government agencies, non-profit organizations, and academic institutions—underscore her ability to build consensus and mobilize collaborative efforts across sectors.
In recognition of her contributions, Lesley has been a part of various influential committees and initiatives that address pressing global health challenges, such as communicable diseases and health inequities. Her data-driven methodologies and commitment to human-centric policy design have made her an invaluable resource for decision-makers seeking sustainable solutions to complex problems.
Lesley Stone epitomizes the essence of a strategic thinker and a dedicated public servant, channeling her extensive expertise into transformative action that enhances the lives of individuals and communities around the globe. With her strong educational background and a career marked by impactful roles, she continues to lead with integrity and innovation in the ever-evolving landscape of global health and foreign assistance.
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