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One of the most frequently cited journals on the Middle East in the field of international affairs, Middle East Policy has been engaging thoughtful minds for more than 40 years with high-quality, diverse analysis on the region.
The Middle East Policy Council (MEPC), is proud to announce the Honorable Gina Abercrombie-Winstanley as its new President.
With decades of diplomatic and public service, Ambassador Gina Abercrombie-Winstanley brings a wealth of knowledge, strategic vision and experience to our organization. She has held senior positions in the U.S. government, including Ambassador to the Republic of Malta, Consul General in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Foreign Policy Advisor to the Commander of U.S. Cyber Forces, Deputy Coordinator for Counterterrorism and Director for the Office of Egypt and the Levant at the U.S. Department of State. Amid these roles, Ambassador Abercrombie-Winstanley expanded our counterterrorism partners and programs and coordinated the largest evacuation of American citizens from a war zone since WWII. Earlier in her career she participated in election monitoring in the Gaza strip and actively supported gender equality in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as the first woman to lead a diplomatic mission there. She has served as Chairwoman for Middle East Area Studies at the Foreign Service Institute, has held senior positions at the Defense Department and at the National Security Council focused on the Middle East, and was a Presidential Management Fellow with the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. Prior to her most recent senior appointment as Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer at the U.S. Department of State, Ambassador Abercrombie-Winstanley was a member of the Middle East Policy Council’s Board of Directors.
Abercrombie-Winstanley is the first woman in MEPC’s 42 year history to serve as President. Setting a precedent for women’s leadership in foreign policy, the MEPC executive team will be comprised of experienced and innovative leaders to include Board Chairwoman Jasmine Zaki, Vice Chairwoman Janet Breslin-Smith, and Executive Director Bassima Alghussein. MEPC takes great pride in being at the forefront of this transformative movement, and we are pleased for the opportunity to champion our next chapter of outstanding leadership.
As we welcome new leadership, we extend our deepest appreciation to the Honorable Richard Schmierer on his retirement as President of the Middle East Policy Council. Throughout his time at the Council and beyond, Ambassador Schmierer’s work has greatly advanced the United States’ relationship with the Middle East, leaving a lasting impact on policymakers, scholars, and the wider public. We celebrate his dedication to the Council, and we are grateful for his continued leadership as a member of our Board of Directors.