January 25, 2021
Washington, D.C. – Meridian International Center announced today the promotion of Lee Satterfield to President and Chief Operating Officer. Ms. Satterfield previously served as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer and has been with Meridian since 2015.
“We are thrilled to promote Lee to this new role, which reflects the true nature of our partnership and her resounding impact across the organization. Her leadership and strategic perspective have improved Meridian across the spectrum, and she has been instrumental in developing partnerships that have expanded our programs, enhanced our workplace culture and more deeply engaged our global community,” said Ambassador Stuart Holliday, CEO of Meridian.
Meridian Board Chair and former Assistant Secretary of State Ann Stock said, “Lee is a results-driven leader with a deep understanding of every aspect of our organization as well as the vast Meridian network of diplomats, government officials, foreign policy experts and corporate partners. On behalf of the entire Meridian Board of Trustees, we have come to rely on Lee for her wisdom and thoughtful leadership.”
As President and Chief Operating Officer, Ms. Satterfield will lead the organization’s daily operations, drive growth through corporate and philanthropic partnerships, and direct strategic initiatives and planning, which will include talent development, workplace culture and Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion priorities.
“Meridian is on the frontlines of diplomacy, strengthening relationships around the world through global leadership, culture and collaboration. I look forward to continuing this important work with Stuart, the Board and our talented staff as we broaden our impact and strengthen our organizational capacity,” said Ms. Satterfield.
Since joining Meridian, Ms. Satterfield has spearheaded major programs including the launch of Meridian’s Center for Diplomatic Engagement and the Center for Global Leadership and expanded the Center for Cultural Diplomacy. Prior to Meridian, she served in executive management positions across government and the private sector. Under President Obama, she was Acting Assistant Secretary of State and Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Professional and Cultural Exchanges at the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA), where she led the State Department’s global efforts to engage individuals through academic, cultural, professional, and youth exchanges. In this capacity, she forged private sector partnerships to expand the impact of public diplomacy across the globe.
Prior to her role at ECA, Ms. Satterfield was Deputy Chief of Protocol of the United States, overseeing visits of heads of government and other international dignitaries on behalf of President Obama, Vice President Biden, and Secretary Clinton. She also served in the Clinton Administration in several leadership roles including at the White House and as Chief of Staff to Labor Secretary Alexis Herman.
A native South Carolinian, Ms. Satterfield graduated from the University of South Carolina with a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism. She lives in Washington, D.C. with her husband, Patrick Steel, and their two sons.
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About Meridian
Meridian International Center is a nonpartisan, nonprofit that strengthens engagement between the United States and the world through diplomacy, leadership and culture. Through more than 500 projects each year, Meridian brings together a cross-section of established and emerging leaders from countries around the world and in the U.S. to effectively meet the challenges of a complex global future. For 60 years, Meridian has equipped thousands of leaders with the networks, insights and cultural context essential for non-partisan collaboration on shared issues.
For more information, please contact Megan Devlin.
