Mira Ricardel American businesswoman and politician Date of Birth: 05.07.1960 Country: USA

1. Early Life and Education
2. Government Career
3. Private Sector Experience
4. Return to Government and National Security Council
5. Dismissal from the National Security Council

Early Life and Education

Carla DelPonte Ricardel, an American entrepreneur and politician, was born in Pasadena, California, to Croatian immigrant parents. Despite living in the United States, she learned Croatian at home and remained connected to her Croatian heritage. She earned a bachelor's degree from Georgetown University, a master's degree from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University, and a doctorate from Tufts.

Government Career

Ricardel's government career began in 1986 at the U.S. Department of State. She later served as a legislative assistant to Republican Senator Bob Dole and as a defense and foreign policy advisor in Dole's unsuccessful 1996 presidential campaign. In 2001, she was appointed Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Eurasian Affairs. From 2003 to 2005, she served as Acting Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Policy.

Private Sector Experience

Ricardel worked at the Boeing Corporation from 2006 to 2015, holding positions as Vice President for Defense and Space Systems and for Global Business Development.

Return to Government and National Security Council

In 2017, Ricardel joined the Trump administration as Deputy Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Export Administration. In May 2018, she was appointed Deputy National Security Advisor to President Trump under John Bolton.

Dismissal from the National Security Council

Ricardel was dismissed from her position on November 14, 2018, with a promise of another job in the administration. According to CNN, a conflict with the First Lady's staff during a trip to Africa was the final straw in a series of complaints. Sources within the White House reported that Ricardel was known for her abrasive behavior toward both subordinates and superiors. She reportedly held strong conservative views and was intolerant of perceived incompetence.