Sharmistha Das has achieved significant career milestones as the Deputy Chief of Staff at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). In this capacity, she has played a crucial role in shaping and implementing key policies and initiatives aimed at ensuring national security. Das has managed high-level operations, coordinated interagency efforts, and provided strategic counsel to senior leadership.

Her expertise in crisis management, policy development, and organizational efficiency has been instrumental in enhancing the department’s effectiveness. Prior to her role at DHS, Das has held various leadership positions in government and public service, demonstrating a steadfast commitment to advancing national security objectives. Indiaspora is proud to have Sharmistha Das in our Global Government List.

Mittal Desai is the Chief Information Officer at the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) as of 2024, where he oversees the agency’s information technology strategy and implementation. With a strong background in technology and management, Desai has been instrumental in enhancing FERC’s digital infrastructure, ensuring data security, and improving operational efficiency.

He leads initiatives to modernize IT systems, streamline processes, and leverage data analytics to support regulatory decisions. Prior to his role at FERC, Desai held various leadership positions in the public and private sectors, focusing on IT governance and innovation. His expertise in transforming technology strategies aligns with FERC’s mission to foster a reliable, efficient, and sustainable energy infrastructure in the United States.

Desai’s contributions have significantly advanced the agency’s ability to respond to evolving energy challenges. Indiaspora is proud to have Mittal Desai on our Government Leaders list.

Rina Desai serves as the Chief of Staff and Correctional Program Officer for the Federal Bureau of Prisons (FBP) within the Department of Justice (DOJ) as of 2024. In this pivotal role, she oversees the development and implementation of correctional programs, focusing on rehabilitation and reintegration of inmates into society.

Desai is instrumental in policy formulation, ensuring alignment with federal regulations and best practices in corrections. Her leadership fosters collaboration among various stakeholders, enhancing operational efficiency within the bureau. With a strong background in criminal justice and public administration, Desai has been dedicated to improving prison conditions and promoting inmate rights.

Her contributions significantly impact the DOJ’s mission to ensure public safety while providing humane treatment in the correctional system. Indiaspora is proud to have Rina Desai on our Government Leaders list.

As of 2024, Vid Desai serves as the Chief Information Officer for the Office of Digital Transformation at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Food and Drug Administration (FDA). In this role, he leads initiatives to modernize the FDA’s digital infrastructure, enhancing the agency’s capacity to manage data, improve regulatory processes, and ensure public health safety.

Desai is recognized for his expertise in information technology and digital strategy, driving innovative solutions that streamline operations and improve stakeholder engagement. His leadership fosters a culture of collaboration and agility within the FDA, positioning the agency to effectively respond to evolving health challenges.

With a commitment to advancing health technology, Desai plays a crucial role in shaping the future of healthcare delivery in the U.S. Indiaspora is proud to have Vid Desai on our Government Leaders list.

Rajeev Dolas is the Chief Technology Officer at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), part of the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). In this role, he spearheads initiatives aimed at enhancing road safety and advancing innovative transportation technologies.

Dolas is instrumental in developing policies and strategies that integrate emerging technologies, such as automated vehicles and connected infrastructure, into the nation’s transportation system. With a background in engineering and public policy, he leverages his expertise to foster collaboration between government, industry, and academia.

His leadership is crucial in addressing critical challenges such as traffic safety, environmental sustainability, and the future of mobility, ensuring that the NHTSA effectively meets the evolving needs of American transportation. Indiaspora is proud to have Rajeev Dolas on our Government Leaders list.

Hetal J. Doshi serves as the Deputy Assistant Attorney General overseeing the Antitrust Division’s civil and criminal litigation efforts. In this role, she has managed the creation of the Litigation Program, an organization of seasoned trial lawyers with backgrounds in prior government service, plaintiff’s litigation, and private practice.

In 2014, Hetal joined the Civil Division of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado as a member of the Department of Justice’s Financial Fraud Enforcement Task Force. In her early tenure as an Assistant United States Attorney, Hetal led investigations of global investment banks for their role in the 2008 global financial crisis.

Hetal is the recipient of the 2016 U.S. Attorney’s Award of Excellence for her work with the Department related to election monitoring and the Department’s Civil Division Special Commendation Award for her work on historic data marketing investigations.

Trina Dutta serves as the Chief of Staff at the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). In this role, she oversees the administration’s efforts to improve mental health and substance abuse services nationwide.

Dutta plays a key role in shaping policies and programs that address the challenges of addiction and mental health, advocating for evidence-based approaches and community support. Her leadership is vital in advancing initiatives aimed at reducing stigma, expanding access to care, and enhancing the quality of mental health services.
Trina graduated from The Ohio State University in 2000 with a Bachelor of Science in Zoology and Psychology. She served in the Peace Corps and received a Master of Public Health/ Master of Public Policy dual degree from UC Berkeley.
With a strong commitment to public health, she works tirelessly to promote awareness and foster collaboration among stakeholders to improve the lives of individuals affected by mental health and substance use disorders. Indiaspora is proud to have Trina Dutta on our Government Leaders list.

Jignasa Gadani is the Director of the Office of Energy Policy and Innovation at the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) in the United States. In her role, she leads efforts to develop and implement innovative energy policies that promote a reliable and sustainable energy future.

Gadani has played a pivotal role in advancing initiatives related to renewable energy, grid modernization, and energy market reforms. Her expertise in regulatory frameworks and stakeholder engagement has facilitated collaborations across government, industry, and advocacy groups.

With a strong commitment to addressing climate change and enhancing energy efficiency, Jignasa continues to drive critical policies that foster a cleaner and more resilient energy landscape in the U.S. Indiaspora is proud to have Jignasa Gadani on our Government Leaders list.

Shibani Gambhir serves as the Vice President of Sales Intelligence and Support at the United States Postal Service (USPS). In this role, he is instrumental in leveraging data analytics and market intelligence to enhance sales strategies and drive revenue growth for USPS.

Gambhir’s leadership has been key in implementing innovative support systems that optimize customer engagement and streamline sales operations. With a background in data-driven decision-making and strategic planning, he has successfully developed initiatives that improve service delivery and expand USPS’s competitive edge in the evolving postal and logistics landscape.

His commitment to fostering a culture of excellence and collaboration continues to advance USPS’s mission of reliable and efficient service. Indiaspora is proud to have Shibani Gambhir on our Government Leaders list.

Mili Gosar serves as the Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations at the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI). In this influential role, she is responsible for overseeing the implementation of key departmental initiatives and managing daily operations.

Gosar plays a vital part in fostering inter-agency collaboration and enhancing the efficiency of DOI’s programs, which encompass natural resource management, conservation, and public land stewardship. With a focus on innovation and sustainability, she has contributed to strategic planning efforts that prioritize environmental protection and community engagement.

Her leadership is instrumental in advancing the DOI’s mission to preserve and protect America’s natural and cultural resources for future generations, making her a key figure in federal policy development. Indiaspora is proud to have Mili Gosar on our Government Leaders list.

Natasha Vij Greiner is the Director of the Division of Investment Management at the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) as of 2024. With a robust background in financial regulation and corporate governance, she has played a pivotal role in shaping policies that protect investors and enhance market integrity.

Greiner previously served in various capacities within the SEC, where she was instrumental in implementing regulatory reforms and fostering compliance in the investment management industry. Known for her expertise in securities law and her commitment to transparency, she has also engaged in extensive outreach with industry stakeholders to facilitate a better understanding of regulatory requirements.

Greiner’s leadership continues to guide the SEC in navigating the evolving landscape of investment management. Indiaspora is proud to have Natasha Vij Greiner on our Government Leaders list.

Gurbir Singh Grewal has had a distinguished career in law and public service. He is the Director of the SEC’s Division of Enforcement. Immediately before joining the Commission, he was the Attorney General for the State of New Jersey. as the first Sikh-American to take this post.

He championed criminal justice reform, enhanced transparency, and strengthened community relations. Grewal implemented progressive policies, including the “Immigrant Trust Directive” to protect immigrant communities and the “Excellence in Policing” initiative to improve law enforcement practices. Before his tenure as Attorney General, he served as the Bergen County Prosecutor, focusing on combating opioid abuse and ensuring justice.

In 2021, Grewal was appointed Director of the Enforcement Division at the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, where he continues to uphold financial integrity and protect investors. Indiaspora is proud to have Gurbir Singh Grewal in our Global Government List.

Sumona Guha serves as the Senior Director for South Asia at the National Security Council, appointed by President Biden. Before her current role, she was Senior Vice-President at the Albright Stonebridge Group, a global strategy firm​​​​​​. Her extensive career in public service includes roles such as Special Advisor for National Security Affairs to then-Vice President Biden during the Obama administration.

Guha has also worked as a Foreign Service Officer and was part of the Secretary of State’s policy planning staff, focusing on South Asia. She co-chaired the South Asia Foreign Policy Working Group on the Biden-Harris campaign and participated in the State Department Agency Review Team during the transition. Indiaspora is proud to have Sumona Guha in our Global Government Leaders List.
Sumona is a graduate of Johns Hopkins and Georgetown University.

Dr. Rahul Gupta serves as the Director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP). He has previously served under two governors as the West Virginia’s Health Commissioner. He served as the Chief Health Officer and led the state’s opioid crisis response efforts and launched a number of pioneering public health initiatives.
Rahul is a specialist in internal medicine and preventive medicine, and has served as academic faculty in Tennessee and Alabama prior to leading the Kanawha-Charleston Health Department in West Virginia. He is an adjunct professor in the Department of Health Policy, Management and Leadership in the School of Public Health at West Virginia University and is visiting faculty and TH Chan Harvard School of Public Health.
Rahul was born in India and grew up in Maryland. He completed medical school at the University of Delhi at age 21, and did his residency at St. Joseph Hospital at Northwestern University. He earned a master’s degree in public health from the University of Alabama-Birmingham and a global master’s of business administration degree from the London School Of Business and Finance.

Alamdar S. Hamdani serves as the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Texas, a role he assumed after being nominated by President Biden. With a strong background in both criminal and civil law, Hamdani has focused on combating organized crime, drug trafficking, and human trafficking in one of the nation’s most diverse and challenging jurisdictions.

Prior to his appointment, he held various positions within the Department of Justice and served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney, gaining extensive experience in federal prosecutions. Hamdani is committed to fostering community partnerships and ensuring justice for all, emphasizing the importance of equity and fairness in the legal system.

His leadership is instrumental in addressing pressing legal issues in southern Texas. Indiaspora is proud to have Alamdar S. Hamdani on our Government Leaders list.

Aditi Hardikar serves as the Deputy Chief of Staff at the U.S. Department of the Treasury, where she plays a pivotal role in shaping economic policy and advancing the department’s initiatives. In this capacity, Hardikar collaborates closely with senior officials to implement key financial strategies, focusing on issues such as tax reform, fiscal policy, and economic recovery.

Prior to her appointment, she held various roles within the Treasury and other federal agencies, gaining valuable experience in public finance and policy development. Aditi is recognized for her commitment to promoting equitable economic growth and enhancing financial transparency, making significant contributions to the Treasury’s mission of fostering a strong and sustainable economy for all Americans. Indiaspora is proud to have Aditi Hardikar on our Government Leaders list.

Priyanka Hooghan serves as the Chief of Staff for the Office of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management at the U.S. Department of Energy. In this role, she oversees strategic initiatives aimed at advancing cleaner fossil fuel technologies and addressing climate change through innovative carbon management solutions.

Hooghan’s career is marked by her dedication to energy policy and sustainability, having previously held key positions within the Department of Energy and other governmental agencies. Her expertise encompasses regulatory frameworks, energy efficiency, and sustainable resource management.

Priyanka is known for her collaborative leadership style and commitment to fostering partnerships between government, industry, and academic institutions to drive progress in energy innovation and environmental stewardship. Indiaspora is proud to have Priyanka Hooghan on our Government Leaders list.

Subash Iyer is Chief Counsel of the Federal Transit Administration. Since January 2021, he has served as the FTA’s principal legal officer and advises the Acting Administrator on all aspects of the FTA’s programs, functions, and activities. Before joining the FTA, Mr. Iyer was Special Counsel for Ethics, Risk, and Compliance at the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), where he served as risk counsel to the largest public transit agency in North America. Mr. Iyer was previously an attorney in private practice, where he worked on trial and appellate litigation matters and provided legal and strategic advice to corporate and individual clients on a wide range of issues.
Mr. Iyer previously served as law clerk to Associate Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg of the U.S. Supreme Court, Chief Judge Robert A. Katzmann of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, and Judge Jed S. Rakoff of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York.
Mr. Iyer received his J.D., summa cum laude, from New York University School of Law and his B.A., summa cum laude, from Columbia University. Before law school, he served as policy adviser to Administrator Karen G. Mills of the U.S. Small Business Administration and worked at a large management consulting firm.