Growing up in a small North Carolina town, Anthony S. Harrington found inspiration in unlikely places. Local lawyers and public servants captured Harrington’s imagination, leading him toward a distinguished career in law and public service.
The Choice of Service Over Politics
Harrington was a Morehead Scholar at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Later, he graduated from Duke Law School and then served as assistant dean. Despite earning coveted academic credentials, he rarely mapped out every career move in advance. However, a steady pull toward service impacted every chapter of his professional life.
While attending college and law school, Harrington worked with North Carolina Governor Terry Sanford. During this season, he discovered a world where government, law, and business could intersect meaningfully.
Classmates dubbed Harrington “Gov.,” assuming he would embark on a political career. However, he had a distaste for the constant fundraising grind associated with politics. Instead, he gravitated toward public service because ideas and solutions, rather than money, drove action in that space.
Honors and Global Impact
After finishing his degrees, Harrington practiced law at global law firm Hogan Lovells and co-founded several communications companies. Early in his career, he served as general counsel to the Democratic National Committee and the Clinton-Gore campaign. Working in these capacities enabled him to develop a rare ability to blend legal expertise with political insight.
Additionally, Harrington was chair of the President’s Intelligence Oversight Board and vice chair of the President’s Foreign Intelligence Advisory Board. These roles demanded a delicate balance of accountability and trust. He also served as a member of the congressionally created Commission on the Roles and Capabilities of the U.S. Intelligence Community, enhancing his expertise in international affairs.
The highlight of Harrington’s career occurred when President Bill Clinton appointed him U.S. Ambassador to Brazil. He was confirmed with bipartisan support in a record 12 days. In this role, he worked to build governmental, economic, and business ties between the two nations. In appreciation, the Brazilian government awarded him the Order of Rio Branco, Grand Cross.
Trusted by International Clients
In 2001, Harrington channeled his experiences across law, government, and business into a new endeavor. Alongside former National Security Adviser and law partner Sandy Berger, he co-founded the Stonebridge Group. The consulting firm later merged with Madeleine Albright’s Albright Group to create the Albright Stonebridge Group.
Under Harrington’s leadership as president, chief executive officer and managing board chair, the firm has become a trusted adviser for businesses, associations, foundations and governments across more than 120 countries.
Harrington is clear about the purpose of his work–to help clients find real solutions to complex international challenges. The ability to think beyond borders, cultures, and legal systems made him a sought-after guide.
A New Chapter Ahead
Harrington’s career has been defined by careful preparation and opportunity. While his legal training set the foundation for success in both business and diplomacy, strong relationships with colleagues and mentors opened doors, leading him to sustainable success.
Values of service, flexibility, and perseverance run through Harrington’s story. His rise from a small town in North Carolina to global influence shows that meaningful careers don’t require rigid plans. The advice he has for young professionals is to work hard, build strong relationships, and stay open to opportunities.
Harrington aims to reduce his day-to-day involvement with Albright Stonebridge in the coming years. However, he plans to continue working with organizations such as the Committee for Economic Development, National Security Leaders for America, and the UN Foundation Global Leadership Council. After decades of service to the country, business, and diplomacy, he looks forward to spending more time with his grandchildren.
