Announcing Ann Stock as Meridian’s New Board of Trustees Chair

NEWS RELEASE

The Honorable Ann Stock announced as new Chair of Meridian International Center's Board of Trustees. (Photo by Stephen Bobb)

Washington, D.C. – Meridian International Center today announced that The Honorable Ann Stock has been elected as Chair of its Board of Trustees, effective June 13, 2019. Stock succeeds The Honorable Carlos M. Gutierrez, former U.S. Secretary of Commerce, who served as Chair of the Board since 2013. Meridian is a non-partisan diplomatic and global leadership institution that strengthens U.S. engagement with the world through the exchange of leaders, culture and ideas.

Stock has served as Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees since 2015 and has extensive experience in both the public and private sector. She previously served as Assistant Secretary of State for Education and Cultural Affairs from 2010-2013 and Acting Undersecretary for Public Diplomacy during that same period, Vice President of Institutional Affairs at the John F. Kennedy Center from 1997-2010, and Deputy Assistant to President Bill Clinton and White House Social Secretary from 1993-1997.

“I am excited to lead Meridian’s Board of Trustees and look forward to championing our shared future vision for a more secure and prosperous world,” said Stock. “I’ve had the tremendous pleasure to work alongside Carlos Gutierrez for these last few years and we are grateful for his enormous impact and role in expanding the global network of  business, diplomatic, policy and cultural leaders that come together in this rare, nonpartisan and highly trusted space in Washington to collaborate on the most critical global challenges and opportunities of our time.”

In these times of misunderstanding and polarization, diplomacy is an essential tool for connecting people across sectors, borders and party lines to foster mutual understanding of different cultures and ideas. Meridian harnesses the power of diplomacy to provide a neutral, nonpartisan platform for global leaders in governments and the private and public sector to collaborate – including its diverse mix of board members.

Gutierrez, who served as Commerce Secretary in the George W. Bush administration, said, “It has been an honor to serve as board chair over the last six years, and I am proud of our accomplishments together during this time. Ann is a respected leader in diplomacy and government and has supported Meridian’s values and mission of global engagement throughout her entire career. At the State Department, Stock helped launch numerous initiatives aimed at strengthening and innovating its broad array of programs. She is the right person to drive a bold strategy for the future of diplomatic engagement and global collaboration.”

“As a trailblazer in both government and business, Carlos’s expertise and past accomplishments in expanding global trade and investment have brought an invaluable perspective and new dimension to our mission to strengthen U.S. engagement with the world. As we look to the future, we are fortunate to benefit from Ann Stock’s unique experience that draws from her leadership in government, the arts and culture and private sector,” said Meridian CEO Ambassador Stuart Holliday.

About Meridian

Meridian International Center is a public diplomacy and global leadership institution that strengthens U.S. engagement with the world through the exchange of leaders, culture and ideas. Founded nearly 60 years ago as a non-partisan, non-profit organization, Meridian works with governments, the private sector and the diplomatic community to develop exchange, training, culture and convening programs to help leaders better address the challenges and opportunities of an increasingly globalized society.

For more information, visit meridian.org. For ongoing news, visit our newsroom.

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