Adewale O. “Wally” Adeyemo, born on May 20, 1981, is a prominent American government official currently holding the position of Deputy Secretary of the Treasury in the United States. He has an illustrious career spanning various roles in both government and the private sector.
Raised in Southern California by Yoruba parents from Nigeria, Adeyemo’s upbringing instilled in him a strong work ethic and a commitment to public service. After graduating from Eisenhower High School in Rialto, California in 1999, he pursued higher education at the University of California, Berkeley, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 2004. He later obtained a Juris Doctor degree from Yale Law School in 2009, further solidifying his academic foundation.
Adeyemo’s career trajectory began with his involvement in political campaigns, notably serving as the director of African American outreach for the John Kerry 2004 presidential campaign in California. His early experiences in grassroots organizing and political engagement laid the groundwork for his future endeavors in government service.
Prior to his tenure in the Obama administration, Adeyemo held positions at organizations such as the Hamilton Project and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, where he demonstrated his expertise in economic policy and financial regulation.
In November 2014, Adeyemo was nominated to serve as Assistant Secretary of the Treasury for International Markets, showcasing his commitment to advancing U.S. economic interests on the global stage. Although his nomination was not ultimately advanced by the Senate, Adeyemo’s talents did not go unnoticed. He was instead appointed to serve as Deputy National Security Advisor for International Economics and Deputy Director of the National Economic Council in 2015, where he played a pivotal role in shaping U.S. economic policy and representing the country in international forums such as the G7 and G20.
Following his tenure in the Obama administration, Adeyemo transitioned to the private sector, working at BlackRock as a senior advisor and later assuming the role of interim chief of staff for the firm’s CEO, Laurence D. Fink. In August 2019, he was appointed as the first president of the Obama Foundation, further solidifying his reputation as a respected leader and advocate for positive change.
In his current role as Deputy Secretary of the Treasury, Adeyemo continues to leverage his expertise and experience to advance economic prosperity and financial stability both domestically and internationally. With a track record of leadership and a commitment to excellence, Adeyemo remains a formidable force in the realms of finance, economics, and public policy.
