Marie Harf

Marie E. Harf is a Media Spokesperson for the Central Intelligence Agency, a position she has held since June 2008.  Ms. Harf is part of the small team that develops the Agency’s media strategy and responds to queries from reporters on a wide range of national security and intelligence topics.  She staffs senior Agency officials at public appearances, helps prepare them for press interviews, and organizes CIA-hosted media events. 

Ms. Harf began her career at the CIA in the Directorate of Intelligence, where she was an analyst on Middle East leadership issues from March 2006 until June 2008.  In this role, she produced finished intelligence products -- including for the President’s Daily Brief -- on top foreign policy priorities, providing both insight and context while identifying risks and opportunities for the United States.  She also authored in-depth assessments of foreign leaders, which were shared with U.S. officials before bilateral and multilateral meetings.

Ms. Harf received her Master’s Degree in Foreign Affairs from the University of Virginia, where her thesis dealt with regime stability in Saudi Arabia.  She graduated with honors from Indiana University, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science with concentrations in Russian and Eastern European Studies and Jewish Studies.  Ms. Harf is a native of Granville, Ohio, and a staunch Ohio State Buckeye football fan.