Nahmyo Thomas

Nahmyo Thomas is executive vice president at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), a leading policy research institution in Washington, D.C., specializing in U.S. national security. With deep expertise in organizational leadership and public policy formation, she is responsible for driving enterprise-wide strategic goals, ensuring research impact, and achieving operational excellence. Thomas works in concert with the CEO and COO to manage all core functions of the organization—spanning operations, fundraising, external relations, finance, IT, human resources, and strategic research initiatives—while ensuring alignment with the institution’s vision and policy priorities. She previously served as vice president for programs and operations, helping to reimagine and implement the organization’s successful restructuring. She also served as acting president for the Global Development Department, unifying research across international development, food and water security, global health, human rights, and humanitarian aid. Before that, she was vice president and director of CSIS’s Executive Education program, developing real-world trainings and educational programs for corporate, government, and university partners to advance their understanding of geopolitical trends, Washington policymaking, and executive leadership skills. Before that, she managed CSIS’s congressional and media relations and helped establish an in-house multimedia production studio, the iDeas Lab. Before joining CSIS, Thomas served on the congressional staff of Representative Jackie Speier, covering veteran affairs, education, women’s health, and immigration policy. She has taught international relations courses at Syracuse University and environmental studies courses at the University of California, Santa Barbara, one of which led to the founding of the Santa Barbara County Green Business Program. She began her career in Washington interning at the White House Office of the Federal Environmental Executive. Thomas holds a BA in global studies from the University of California, Santa Barbara, and an MSc in political science with a concentration in conflict resolution and governance from the University of Amsterdam.