James A. Walsh has served as Deputy Assistant Secretary of State in the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) since January 2015. In his capacity as Senior Bureau Official since December 2017, he is responsible for State Department programs and policies combating drugs and organized crime around the world, as well as support for law enforcement and rule of law. INL currently manages a portfolio of more than $4 billion in more than 90 countries.

From 2015 to 2017, he directed State Department law enforcement and rule of law assistance activities in Europe and Asia (excluding Pakistan and Afghanistan) and oversaw the Department's Air Wing and INL's resources.

He previously served as the Executive Director/Controller for the bureau where he led several efforts to strengthen criminal justice assistance programs including the development of an inter-agency Criminal Justice Sector Rating Tool. Prior to joining the Department, Mr. Walsh worked in the private sector for five years supporting Fortune 500 companies. He also served nearly eight years in the U.S. Army where he had several overseas deployments leading aviation units.

James Walsh was born and raised in Northern Indiana. He is a career member of the Senior Executive Service, has a bachelor's degree from West Point, and a master's degree in business administration from Bowie State University. Mr. Walsh received the Presidential Meritorious Rank Award in 2017.