Director of Policy Planning

The director of policy planning is the United States Department of State official in charge of the department's internal think tank, the policy planning staff, with a rank equivalent to assistant secretary.^[2][3] The position has traditionally been held by many members of the U.S. foreign policy establishment. Former directors of policy planning include two national security advisors, a president of the World Bank, and several presidents of the Council on Foreign Relations.^{[citation needed]}

AppointerUnited States Secretary of State

Inaugural holderGeorge F. Kennan

Formation1947

WebsiteOfficial website

Quick facts Appointer, Inaugural holder ...

Director of Policy Planning
Seal of the United States Department of State
Incumbent Michael Needham[1] since September 15, 2025
Appointer	United States Secretary of State
Inaugural holder	George F. Kennan
Formation	1947
Website	Official website

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