When they emigrated from Nigeria, Wally Adeyemo’s parents—a nurse and an elementary-school principal—could scarcely have imagined that their young son would quickly grow to become one of the U.S.’s top economic policymakers. Having previously worked in the Obama White House, the Treasury Department, and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, Adeyemo serves today as Deputy Treasury Secretary—the first Black American to hold the job.
Adeyemo’s fortitude in helping drive our economic response to Russia’s war in Ukraine earned him the distinction of being sanctioned and blacklisted by Vladimir Putin. At home, though, he is admired by unusual bedfellows across the political spectrum. His champions span sometimes hostile factions across the Democratic Party, and he was confirmed by the Senate with broad bipartisan support. Wally has a refreshing knack for cutting through division, building trust. And his path-breaking career is still just beginning.
Warren is a Democratic Senator for Massachusetts
- Donald Trump Is TIME's 2024 Person of the Year
- Why We Chose Trump as Person of the Year
- Is Intermittent Fasting Good or Bad for You?
- The 100 Must-Read Books of 2024
- The 20 Best Christmas TV Episodes
- Column: If Optimism Feels Ridiculous Now, Try Hope
- The Future of Climate Action Is Trade Policy
- Merle Bombardieri Is Helping People Make the Baby Decision