Knox Thames is an internationally recognized human rights lawyer, advocate, and author who has devoted his career to advancing human rights, safeguarding religious minorities, and combating persecution. With more than two decades of service in the US government, Thames has held several pivotal roles advocating for freedom of religion or belief, including positions at the State Department and two federal government foreign policy commissions. He possesses extensive expertise in areas including South/Central Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and US foreign policy pertaining to human rights.

Serving in the Bush, Obama, and Trump administrations, Thames has worked at the intersection of global affairs, religion, and human rights.​ Known for his nonpartisan approach to advocacy, both the Obama and Trump administrations appointed Thames as the special advisor for religious minorities in the Near East and South/Central Asia at the State Department. The first to serve in this special envoy role, Thames received a civil service appointment to lead State Department efforts supporting religious minorities in these regions.