Career diplomat, professor, and published author on U.S. foreign policy and the practice of diplomacy. Her book, “To the Secretary: Leaked Embassy Cables and America’s Foreign Policy Disconnect” (Norton 2016), was praised by Joseph Nye as “a fascinating account of how diplomacy really works from the bottom up.” Her diplomatic experience spans a 23-year career as a foreign service officer in leadership roles in the Czech Republic, Canada, Guatemala, Spain, and Washington, D.C. She retired with the rank of Minister-Counselor and is the recipient of several Superior and Meritorious Honor awards. Before coming to the USNWC, she directed a master’s program at Northeastern University.
Professor and Chair of Women in National Security and Diplomacy
Teaches Theater Security Decision Making and National Security Decision Making; research interests include diplomacy, public diplomacy, Europe, NATO, and the Arctic Circle. Was named to the Chair of Women in National Security and Diplomacy in November.
2016
Author, To the Secretary: Leaked Embassy Cables and America's Foreign Policy Disconnect
(Norton, 2016). Book analyzes contents of the Wikileaks cables from U.S. embassies; was reviewed favorably in the Wall Street Journal, Boston Globe, NPR, and Lawfare. Spoke at Stanford, USC, Tufts, and World Affairs Councils in Boston, Seattle, Portland, St. Louis, Wichita, and Portsmouth.
2013
Faculty Director, Global Studies and International Relations, Northeastern University
Directed the master's program that grew from 90 to more than 500 students delivering classes in online and classroom format. Taught foundation courses and electives, hired and evaluated faculty, revised curriculum, served 18 months as interim director of the Doctorate in Law and Policy program.
2012
Dean, International Graduate Programs, Endicott College
Oversaw all overseas graduate programs and advised the vice president on international program viability; co-chaired the International Committee; served on the advanced graduate committee, taught International Relations, U.S. Foreign Policy, and the History of U.S. Higher Education.
2011
U.S. Department of State Diplomat in Residence for New England
Senior Diplomat representing the State Department to academia, think tanks, and civic groups across New England. Advised hundreds of college students on internships and careers in the Foreign Service and served as frequent guest lecturer, panelist, and conference speaker on the practice of diplomacy.
2009
Chief of Mission (Charge d'Affaires) U.S. Embassy Prague
Promoted to the rank of Minister-Counselor for leading the U.S. Embassy through the Czech Presidency of the European Union; hosted two visits from President Obama; hosted Vice President Biden, several senior cabinet members, and Congressional delegations.
2007
Deputy Chief of Mission, U.S. Embassy Prague
Led a staff of 260 American and local hires; supervised agency heads from departments of Defense, FBI, CIA, FCS, FAS, and Office of Naval Research. Crafted strategic communication to gain Czech support for U.S. foreign policy goals in Iraq, Afghanistan, and NATO; raised visibility on trade issues.
2005
Branch Chief, Educational Information and Resources, U.S. Department of State
Led the State Dept.'s Education USA network of 450 advisers in 170 countries, managed a budget of $10 million and a Washington and overseas staff of 16. Drafted the concept paper and traveled with Education Secretary Spellings and 12 university presidents on a recruiting trip to East Asia.
2002
Counselor for Public Affairs, U.S. Embassy Guatemala
Directed a 12-member team devising media strategies to advance U.S. policy initiatives on trade (CAFTA), human rights, and democracy. Organized a 19-country conference on the future of binational centers convening a thousand English teachers, librarians, and State Dept. officials.
2000
Public Affairs Officer, U.S. Consulate, Montreal
Responsible for all public affairs program in five Eastern Canadian provinces and economic reporting for Quebec. Wrote on border security post-9/11, softwood lumber, the Arctic, and the hydroelectric industry. Coordinated White House press support for the Quebec City Summit of the Americas.
Education
Ed.D., University of Pennsylvania, Higher Education Management
M.A., Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, Law and Diplomacy
B.S., California State University, Political Science and Journalism
Superior Honor Award, outstanding leadership U.S. Embassy Prague
Meritorious Honor Award, superior public diplomacy work U.S. Embassy Guatemala
Meritorious Honor Award, Summit of the Americas press advance work U.S. Consulate Montreal
Sustained Superior Performance Award, planning and coordination WHA Bureau
Superior Group Honor Award, Nazi Gold Report State Department
Meritorious Honor Award, Press Attache U.S. Embassy Prague
The Edmund Gullion Prize Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy
The Robert B. Steward Prize Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy
External Memberships and Associations
Council on Learned Societies Title IX Consultant
Boston Committee on Foreign Affairs
Public Diplomacy Advisory Council
Public Diplomacy Alumni Association
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