Ambassador Robert Gelbard brings years of leadership, expertise, and passion for transatlantic cooperation to CEPA’s Board of Directors.
Ambassador Robert Gelbard’s illustrious career spans thirty-five years, in which he has held numerous senior Foreign Service positions. He has served as President Clinton’s Special Representative to the Balkans, Assistant Secretary of State for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement, and Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs, Deputy and Acting Director for Western Europe, as well as serving as Ambassador to Indonesia, East Timor, and Bolivia. Gelbard was also President George H. W. Bush’s Special Representative for the 1992 San Antonio Summit and the U.S. Representative to the Paris Club. He also served on the 2008-2009 Obama-Biden national security transition team.
Ambassador Robert Gelbard, said, “It is a great honor to be asked to join CEPA’s Board. I have been impressed by their work over past years, and now they are reaching new levels of high achievement, with outstanding possibilities for the future. I look forward to contributing.”
Larry Hirsch, Chairman of the Board, stated, “We are pleased to welcome Ambassador Gelbard to CEPA’s board. His remarkable career and expertise in international security and U.S. foreign policy will bring insight and leadership to our work. I look forward to working with Ambassador Gelbard in support of CEPA’s mission.”
Dr. Alina Polyakova, President and CEO, said, “Ambassador Gelbard embodies CEPA’s mission and commitment to transatlantic values and principles. As member of CEPA’s Board, his leadership will help ensure our success in building a stronger and more enduring alliance to withstand the many common challenges we face.”
Ambassador Gelbard has received numerous decorations and awards from the United States and foreign governments, including the Presidential Meritorious Award and the Secretary of State’s Distinguished Service Award. Prior to joining the Foreign Service, he was a Peace Corps Volunteer in Bolivia. He is a graduate of Colby College and Harvard University and was awarded honorary doctorate degrees by Villanova University Law School and Colby College for his work on international democracy-building and peacekeeping.
