Maureen Farrell drives Valar’s global partner engagement from Washington, D.C., ensuring that the company’s work is transparent, accountable, and tailored to the specific needs of clients. With 25 years of experience focused on Africa, Maureen has held senior roles in both government and the private sector. Most recently, she served as the U.S. Department of Defense’s Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for African Affairs, overseeing defense policy and strategy for the continent. Prior to that, she was the Director for African Affairs at the National Security Council, where she led U.S. interagency efforts and coordinated policy strategies across defense, diplomacy, and development sectors, as well as for digital and cyber policy. Her extensive experience in interagency collaboration strengthens Valar’s ability to build and sustain impactful partnerships worldwide.