Chief Executive Officer
Ambassador Erin E. McKee is a highly respected global strategist and policy expert recognized for her leadership in advancing U.S. national security, governance, and economic diplomacy. She has played a pivotal role in shaping and implementing international policies, forging strategic partnerships, and driving high-stakes initiatives in some of the world’s most complex geopolitical landscapes. With a career spanning both the public and private sectors, she is known for her ability to maximize resources, mitigate risks, and deliver lasting impact on a global scale.
A trusted advisor at the highest levels of government, Ambassador McKee has served under five U.S. presidential administrations, earning two Senate-confirmed appointments. She has held C-suite equivalent roles since 2009, directing multi-billion-dollar initiatives and managing large-scale operations across diverse regions. Most recently, as Assistant Administrator for USAID’s Bureau for Europe and Eurasia, she led the agency’s largest budget ($30 billion) and a workforce of 750 professionals across 17 locations, advising on regional dynamics and testifying before Congress to safeguard U.S. interests.
Previously, as U.S. Ambassador to Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu, she spearheaded U.S. strategic engagement in the Indo-Pacific, countering geopolitical threats and reinforcing regional stability. Her leadership in crisis management, economic diplomacy, and security strategy shaped U.S. foreign policy in the region and strengthened American influence against strategic competitors. Her regional strategy was later adopted by the White House as a key pillar of U.S. Indo-Pacific policy.
Before her diplomatic service, Ambassador McKee built a strong foundation in the private sector, holding leadership positions in capital investment, project management, and legal affairs. This business acumen has been instrumental in fostering economic growth, supporting U.S. enterprises abroad, and navigating complex financial landscapes.
A sought-after speaker and media contributor, Ambassador McKee excels in articulating complex global challenges in clear and actionable terms. She has been widely recognized for her contributions to international security and diplomacy, receiving the Presidential Distinguished Service Award, as well as numerous Superior and Meritorious Honor Awards.
Ambassador McKee holds an MBA and an MA in International Studies from the University of Washington, along with a BA in Economics, Political Science, and Russian Language from the University of California, Davis. She speaks Russian, Spanish, and Bahasa Indonesian. She and her family currently reside in the Washington, D.C. area.
