Alumni and Friends Making an Impact

For Allison (Varricchio) Iannarino ’13, the road to our country’s National Security Council was unexpected. The recent director for Afghanistan, Iannarino helped develop policy recommendations for the Biden administration about issues such as counterterrorism, humanitarian assistance, economic stabilization and women’s rights.

Among her most impressive accomplishments was leading negotiations for the release of Mark Frerichs, who was held hostage in Afghanistan for more than two and a half years. After more than a year of work, Iannarino and her team secured Frerichs’ release in September 2022.

“I am beyond proud that I get the opportunity to serve my country every day,” said Iannarino. “I hope to continue to serve as I continue my career.”

Before joining the White House, Iannarino was involved in the University of Dayton’s Washington, D.C./Baltimore Alumni Community and continues to support current students who visit our nation’s capital through the Dayton2DC cohort program.

“I want to be able to help as many Flyers find ways to connect their passions to a career in Washington, D.C. if that is what calls to them after they graduate,” said Iannarino.

As for Iannarino, she continues to challenge herself to learn, lead and serve.

“I try to build community around me, whether that is by creating a space for my coworkers that allows everyone to feel like they belong or getting to know my neighbors to be a support system, or balancing the demands of work and life to be a present friend, sister, wife, dog mom and daughter,” said Innarino.