George Selim

George Selim is the first Director of the Office for Community Partnerships at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).  DHS Secretary Jeh Johnson announced the office in September 2015 to support innovative locally-based programs to counter violent extremism (CVE) and to build relationships and promote trust with local communities.  In 2016, George was also selected to lead the new CVE Task Force to coordinate government efforts and partnerships to prevent violent extremism in the United States.

Before assuming these roles, George served for four years at the White House on the National Security Council Staff as Director for Community Partnerships where he focused on policy development and program implementation on issues ranging from domestic to global security threats. Specific issues in Mr. Selim’s portfolio included efforts to prevent violent extremism in the United States, building community resilience against transnational gangs, and developing a global network of governmental and civil society leaders to address of the most critical national security priorities. 

Prior to his work at the White House, Mr. Selim served as a Senior Policy Adviser at the DHS Office for Civil Rights & Civil Liberties, advising Department leadership on policy issues at the intersection of civil liberties and homeland security. Mr. Selim has also worked at the U.S. Department of Justice, the Arab American Institute, and served one year of AmeriCorps service.

Mr. Selim is a recipient of numerous awards including National Security Council Outstanding Service Award in 2015, he was named the Washington Post “Federal Player of the Week” in March 2009, the DHS Secretary’s Award for Excellence in 2008, and the Department of Justice Meritorious Service award in 2006.  Mr. Selim is a commissioned officer in the United States Navy Reserve and holds a MA from Georgetown University and BA from Walsh University.

Mr. Selim is a proud native of Cleveland, OH.