PDCA Standing Committee 2025-2026

Academic Study Committee
The Academic Study Committee advances PDCA's mission to elevate public diplomacy's value in building peace, security, and mutual understanding among nations and peoples. We seek to broaden and deepen engagement between practitioners and scholars through partnership, the exchange of ideas, and practical collaboration.
Karen Walker and Steven Louis Pike, Co-Chairs
Phil Arceneaux
Elizabeth Coder
Elizabeth (Liz) Colton
Ed Findlay
Jami Fullerton
Bruce Gregory
Patricia Kabra
Christopher McShane
Michael D Schneider
Vivian Walker
Ambassador Earl Anthony (Tony) Wayne

Advocacy Communication Envoys (ACE) Committee
The Advocacy Communication Envoys (ACE) Committee maintains contacts with Congress, foreign policy professionals in Washington, and organizations across the country to highlight the long-term value of public diplomacy. It sustains such relationships to cultivate public diplomacy champions who can help PD build back better in future years under a new administration, and it assists PDCA leadership with engaging members in rapid-reaction efforts. 
Lynne Weil and Paul Foldi, Co-Chairs
Arthur Berger
Patricia Harrison
Hon. Gordon Humphrey
Barb Keller
Josh Manley
Michael McCarry
Sherry Mueller
Mark Rebstock
Larry Schwartz
Karl Stoltz (ex officio)
Vivian Walker (ex officio)

Awards Committee
he Awards Committee administers PDCA's two awards programs and advises on other programs that recognize Public Diplomacy activities.
Ambassador Earl Anthony (Tony) Wayne and J. Michael Korff, Co-Chairs
Anne Barbaro
Joel Fischman
Margot Carrington ââââââ
James Ketterer
Carol Lynn MacCurdy
Ambassador Michael Pelletier

Budget and Finance Committee
The Budget & Finance Committee advises the co-presidents about costs and the financial health of the organization as well as general supervision of the in-flow and out-flow of resources. Review budget proposals and the cost implications of proposals that come before the Executive Committee.
Barbara Keller, Chair
Bob Heath
Mary Jeffers
Quentin Lide
John Quintus

Communication Committee
The Communication Committee advises the leadership on external and internal communication, including Public Diplomacy Today, PDCA's weekly newsletter.
J. Michael Korff and Arthur Berger, Co-Chairs
Shaz Akram
Amy Bliss
Ambassador Brian Carlson
Nick Cull
Joel Fischman
Rebecca Gardner
Anonymous
Sandra Jacobs
Joe Johnson
Sydney Maddox
Julie Moyes
Julianne Paunescu
Gaby Price
Michael D Schneider
Lam Tran
Bill Wanlund
Ambassador Larry Wohlers

Development Committee
The Development Committee supports the long-term financial strength and sustainability of the Public Diplomacy Council of America by leading the organization’s fundraising strategy and donor engagement efforts. The committee identifies funding opportunities, cultivates relationships with members, donors, and partners, and oversees annual giving, major gifts, and legacy planning initiatives. It works closely with the Board and PDCA leadership to ensure that our programs—including advocacy, fellowships, professional development, and awards—have the resources needed to thrive.
Shaz Akram, Chair
Jung-hwa "Judy" Kang
Sherry Mueller
Bill Wanlund

Membership and Outreach Committee
The Membership and Outreach Committee is the engine that drives the growth and vitality of the Public Diplomacy Council of America. Its primary functions include recruiting new members, approving qualified applicants for membership, encouraging suitable persons to apply for membership, and ensuring members can engage with one another. An important goal of the Committee is identifying and contacting potential new members, especially current State Department employees engaged in public diplomacy, whether they are in Washington or serving at posts abroad.
Ambassador Brian Carlson and Molly Kress, Co-Chairs
Joseph D'Agostino
Nini Forino
Steve Herman
Christian Larson
Josh Manley

Nominating and Leadership Development Committee
The Nominating and Leadership Committee prepares a slate of officers, board members, and committee chairs for board consideration on an annual cycle.  The committee also nominates candidates for vacancies that occur and helps prepare potential candidates for future leadership of PDCA.
Joel Fischman, Chair
Sherry Mueller
Karl Stoltz
Vivian Walker
Ambassador Larry Wohlers

Program Committee
The Program Committee plans and delivers in-person and on-line events for the PDCA.These typically include an event on the first Monday of every month and smaller events if/as needed.
Nick Cull and Jung-hwa "Judy" Kang, Co-Chairs
Gordon Duguid
Ed Findlay
Joel Fischman
J. Michael Korff
Molly Kress
Ambassador Greta Morris
Joan Mower
Sherry Mueller
Michael Schneider
Larry Schwartz
Karl Stoltz
Lam Tran
Bill Wanlund
Vivian Walker
Ambassador Earl Anthony (Tony) Wayne
Ambassador Larry Wohlers

Rising Professionals Committee
The Rising Professionals Committee encourages young professionals to pursue careers in public diplomacy. The Committee also provides a platform for networking and professional development.
Josh Manley, Chair
Tim Horgan â
Sherry Mueller
John Tibbets
Junlong Wang
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Training, Mentoring, and Professional Development Committee
The Training, Mentoring, & Professional Development Committee oversees and develops new approaches and programs to advance public diplomacy tradecraft and the skills of PDCA members. In addition to managing two professional development opportunities, the PDCA Mentoring Program and the Davis Fellows Program, the Committee also supports external diplomatic leadership and training initiatives. 
Vivian Walker and Josh Manley, Co-Chairs
Ellen Bienstock-Masi
Will Dokurno
Adam Footlik
Bob Heath
Irina Karmanovaâââ
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