Deputy Director / Chief Operating Officer

(Performing the Duties of the Director)

Thomas R. Hardy serves as the Deputy Director and Chief Operating Officer of the U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA), performing the duties and responsibilities of the Agency’s Director. The Trump Administration appointed Mr. Hardy as USTDA’s Acting Director in January 2025, before he transitioned to his current role in November 2025. Mr. Hardy leads the Agency’s global efforts to advance high-quality infrastructure projects that strengthen U.S. national security, create export opportunities for U.S. goods and services, and support U.S. job creation. USTDA is the U.S. government’s first mover on critical infrastructure development abroad, advancing the shared strategic priorities of the United States and its overseas partners by deploying U.S. technological expertise.

He was previously appointed by President Trump to serve as USTDA’s Acting Director from 2017 to 2020, where he helped transform the Agency to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving global environment. Mr. Hardy has also held multiple leadership positions at the Agency including Director of Policy and Program Management, Chief of Staff and Country Manager for the East Asia and sub-Saharan Africa regions.