Meridian International Center Announces New Leadership
David Bohigian Named Chief Executive Officer; Deborah Lehr Elected Vice Chair and Chair-Elect
WASHINGTON, DC – Meridian International Center today announced the appointment of The Honorable David Bohigian as Chief Executive Officer, effective March 30, 2026, and the election of Deborah Lehr as Vice Chair/Chair-Elect of the Board of Trustees.
For more than 65 years, Meridian has been the nation's leading center for diplomacy, advancing American leadership by empowering the next era of leaders to strengthen global partnerships.
Bohigian's experience across business, government, and international engagement aligns closely with this mission.
"I’m honored to lead Meridian at a time of both profound global challenge and extraordinary opportunity," said Bohigian. "Through my time in the private sector and government, I've seen firsthand the value of Meridian's mission and work. Meridian is redefining and opening diplomacy beyond government by bringing together leaders across sectors — from business executives and scientists to governors, mayors, artists, and athletes—in ways that reflect the evolving nature of global influence. I'm energized by the opportunity ahead and look forward to working alongside the Board and staff to amplify Meridian's impact around the world."
Bohigian led the creation of the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation, which advances U.S. foreign policy by mobilizing private capital worldwide. From 2017-2019, he served at the Overseas Private Investment Corporation, playing a central role in securing bipartisan passage of the BUILD Act and approving $5 billion in investments worldwide. He also served as Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Market Access and Compliance. Bohigian’s private sector experience includes founding and leading technology startups and investment funds. He founded impact investment funds Pluribus Ventures and E2 Capital Partners and held senior roles at Bridgewater Associates and venture capital firms Idealab and VenCatalyst.
“I cannot think of a better person than David Bohigian to be the new CEO of Meridian. He has honed his skills in both government and the private sector. David possesses the intellect, curiosity, and drive that are just what is needed to lead Meridian during this time of enormous change,” said Fred Hochberg, Chairman of Meridian's Board of Trustees.
As part of Meridian’s leadership transition, the Board of Trustees elected Deborah Lehr, current interim CEO of Meridian, as Vice Chair/Chair-Elect. She currently serves as CEO of Basilinna and is an internationally recognized strategist with experience advising leaders and institutions across Asia, the Middle East, and Europe at the intersection of business advisory, sustainability, finance, culture, and geopolitics. She also serves as Executive Director of the Paulson Institute and is the founder and Chairman of the Antiquities Coalition, a global initiative combating the illicit trade in cultural heritage and advancing preservation worldwide.
“During Deborah’s time both as a trustee and, more recently, as the interim CEO, I have come to rely on her enthusiasm, steady hand, and insightful leadership. With both Deborah as our next chair and David as CEO, Meridian is on track for greater and greater impact," said Hochberg.
Further biographical information about David Bohigian and Deborah Lehr can be found here and here.
About Meridian International Center
Meridian empowers the next era of leaders to advance American diplomacy and global leadership. Founded in 1960 and headquartered on a historic campus in Washington, D.C., our programs equip leaders across business, technology, and innovation, cities and states, culture, and sports with the global insights, networks, and resources needed to navigate a complex world. Through this work, Meridian strengthens international partnerships and alliances, U.S. economic competitiveness, and geopolitical resilience among leaders and institutions.
For media inquiries, contact:
Danielle Najjar
Senior Director, Communications and Marketing
Meridian International Center
dnajjar@meridian.org