The Program: “The View from Washington: Foreign Policy Opportunities and Challenges” Ambassador Kenney will review the key foreign policy challenges facing the Trump Administration and discuss policy approaches under consideration. She will also highlight the inter-agency dynamics in Washington and how they affect policy formulation.

Ambassador Kristie KenneyPresenter: Ambassador Kristie Kenney holds the State Department’s highest diplomatic rank of Career Ambassador. Over her 30-year career, she has represented the United States abroad as Ambassador three times and served in senior positions at the State Department and the White House.

Ambassador Kenney served as the 32nd Counselor of the State Department, the Departments fifth ranking official position and on behalf of Secretary Kerry, led delegations to Latin America and Asia. As Ambassador to Thailand from 2011-2014, Ambassador Kenney was the first female to head U.S.Embassy Bangkok, one of the United States largest diplomatic missions with over 3,000 staff. She was the Ambassador to the Philippines from 2006-2010, the first woman to hold that post. She coordinated U.S. military and development assistance over multiple natural disasters. During this and subsequent assignments, she pioneered use of social media by U.S. Ambassadors to connect with diverse and dynamic foreign audiences. Earlier, she served as Ambassador to Ecuador where she advanced U.S. business and security interests in Latin America.

Ambassador Kenney holds a Bachelor’s degree from Clemson University and a Master’s degree from Tulane University. She also attended the National War College in Washington, D.C. She speaks Spanish and French, as well as some Thai and Tagalog. She is married to Ambassador William Brownfield. When not rooting for Washington area sports teams, Ambassador Kenney enjoys travel, skiing, and connecting with social media friends around the world.

Sponsored by Sandia National Laboratories
Exceptional Service in the National Interest