As Deputy Assistant Secretary for Asia at the U.S. Department of Commerce, Diane Farrell is the principal advisor to the Assistant Secretary for Global Markets on all matters concerning international economics, trade, investment, and commercial policy programs and agreements with respect to Asia. She also oversees planning and execution of Commerce commercial diplomacy and export promotion strategies at United States Missions in Region Asia. Most recently, Farrell worked at the U.S. India Business Council (USIBC). As Executive Vice President, she oversaw business advocacy policy and government relations.

Prior to joining USIBC, Farrell served on the Board of Directors at the Export Import Bank of the United States (U.S. EXIM Bank). A Presidential appointee, confirmed by the U.S. Senate, she was responsible for voting on the transactions in excess of $10 million as well as on significant policy matters. Her portfolio responsibilities included small business, India, Southeast Asia, and portions of Latin America. In addition, she was named a member of the White House Business Council.

During her tenure at U.S. EXIM Bank, India transactions expanded and diversified as aircraft sales and conventional and green energy projects, among others, led to India becoming the second largest country by U.S. dollar allocation in the bank’s overall portfolio. Before serving at U.S. EXIM Bank, Farrell was elected as the First Selectwoman in Westport, Connecticut. A strong mayor form of government, she managed multimillion dollar budgets within the Consumer Price Index and maintained the town’s AAA bond rating at a time when significant infrastructure investment was taking place. She oversaw the construction of schools, a municipal waste water treatment plant, affordable housing, and other necessary facilities.