WASHINGTON, DC — Joshua Mater, Director of Global Business Operations for the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Diplomatic Security, has been recognized by The Inner Circle as a Lifetime honoree for his career in public service and leadership in international policy development and business operations. As career member of the Senior Executive Service, Mr. Mater brings experience overseeing multibillion-dollar operations, leading across institutional boundaries, and aligning organizational resources with strategic priorities.
In his current role, Mr. Mater provides executive leadership for business functions supporting a global security organization of more than 40,000 personnel across 275 overseas U.S. embassies and more than 118 domestic offices. His responsibilities include oversight of $4.2 billion supporting strategic planning, program management, logistics and supply chain operations, procurement and contracting, real estate, and fleet management providing the safe and secure environment for American foreign policy execution.
Mr. Mater’s operating approach connects financial discipline with service delivery and measurable performance. He emphasizes key performance indicators aligned with strategic objectives and accountability for program results. This includes drawing on private-sector practices to improve responsiveness, transparency, and customer experience while empowering employees to strengthen support for frontline operations.
As the chair of the Federal Law Enforcement Community of Practice, Mr. Mater convenes federal partners to address shared operational challenges, including contracting and acquisition. He advocates strategic sourcing, shared services, and enterprise-wide resource decisions to reduce duplication and strengthen mission continuity. His public commentary on artificial intelligence emphasizes responsible adoption supported by clear governance, secure infrastructure, and workforce readiness.
Previously, Mr. Mater served as Senior Economic Sanctions Policy Coordinator, overseeing 30 sanctions portfolios, and as the Department’s Global Magnitsky Coordinator, addressing serious human rights abuse and systemic corruption. As Division Director for Property Management, he managed $6 billion in property supporting U.S. foreign policy worldwide. These assignments combined international policy, risk management, compliance, and global asset stewardship.
Before joining the Department of State in 2013, Mr. Mater served as Deputy to the Commander of the 402nd Army Field Support Brigade in Iraq, overseeing theater-level logistics and helping execute the transition of logistics and contract support from the Department of War to the Department of State. He is a U.S. Army Air Defense Artillery and Special Operations Forces Civil Affairs veteran with multiple overseas tours, including Operation Iraqi Freedom, and his awards include the Bronze Star and Purple Heart. He is a strong advocate recognizing the leadership and operational expertise that veterans and military spouses bring to the workforce.
About Joshua Mater
Joshua Mater is a native of Oregon and holds dual bachelor’s degrees in geoscience and international relations from Oregon State University and a master’s degree in management and leadership from Webster University. His professional affiliations include the National Property Management Association, Civil Affairs Association, Federal Real Property Management Association, and as a member of the Board of Advisors for Oregon State University’s College of Oceanic and Atmospheric Sciences. These associations reflect his dedication to professional development, collaboration, and continued learning within government and organizational management. He credits his parents, Scott and Catherine Mater, for instilling the values of independence, responsibility, and perseverance that continue to guide his personal and professional decisions.
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