MARCH 9, 2026

Pacific Council on International Policy Announces Ambassador Kristina Kvien as New President and CEO

Senior Diplomat to Lead Global Policy Nonprofit into Next Chapter

LOS ANGELES, CA — The Board of Directors of the Pacific Council on International Policy today announced the appointment of Ambassador Kristina A. Kvien (Retired) as its new President and Chief Executive Officer, effective March 1, 2026.

As a career member of the Senior Foreign Service with the rank of Minister-Counselor, Ambassador Kvien most recently served as United States Ambassador to Armenia and previously as Chargé d’Affaires at the U.S. Embassy in Ukraine. She served as Europe Director in the National Security Council, Executive Office of the President, in the Bush and Obama administrations. With over thirty years of distinguished diplomatic experience, Ambassador Kvien brings demonstrated leadership skills, extensive knowledge of Europe and Southeast Asia, and expertise in international economic and energy issues. She has received multiple Senior Foreign Service Performance Awards, including the Ryan C. Crocker Award for Outstanding Leadership in Expeditionary Diplomacy. Ambassador Kvien holds a BA in political science from Occidental College and an MS in strategic studies from the U.S. Army War College.

“Ambassador Kvien brings exactly the combination of strategic vision and global relationships we need at this pivotal moment,“ said Arthur J. Ochoa, Board Co-Chair. “Her deep understanding of how policy is shaped and how diverse stakeholders can work together will strengthen our ability to convene critical conversations and drive meaningful initiatives.”

Robert W. Lovelace, Board Co-Chair, added: “Throughout the search process, Ambassador Kvien’s impressive diplomatic career and commitment to bridge-building stood out. She understands, firsthand, that global challenges require collaboration across sectors, and we are confident that she will energize our community of members, partners, and thought leaders.”

“We conducted a rigorous search and were impressed by the caliber of candidates,” said Ambassador John B. Emerson (Retired), Search Committee Chair. “What distinguished Ambassador Kvien was not only her exceptional diplomatic credentials, but her genuine passion for our mission and clear vision for how we can expand our impact. She is the right leader for this moment.”

“After 17 years at the helm of the Pacific Council, I am most optimistic about our future,” said Dr. Jerrold D. Green, outgoing President and CEO. “Ambassador Kvien brings remarkable strengths to the Council, and I am confident that she will preserve what makes this organization unique while forging innovations certain to ensure our continued relevance, prominence, and vitality.”

“I am honored to join the Pacific Council at such a consequential time for global affairs,” said Ambassador Kvien. “Throughout my diplomatic career, I have seen firsthand the power of bringing diverse voices together to tackle complex challenges. The Pacific Council has built an incredible reputation as a convener and thought leader, and I am eager to work with our board, staff, and members to deepen our impact in addressing the most pressing questions facing our interconnected world.”

Ambassador Kvien will take up her appointment as President and CEO of the Pacific Council in March 2026, after the Pacific Council’s Interim President and CEO, Dr. Jerrold D. Green, transitions from 17 years of leadership to join the organization as a Board Director. Executive search firm Spencer Stuart assisted in recruitment efforts.

The Pacific Council on International Policy is a Los Angeles-based nonpartisan membership organization dedicated to harnessing the West Coast’s vast potential to influence global issues, discourse, and policy. Established in 1995, the Pacific Council hosts discussion events on matters of international importance, convenes task forces and working groups to address pressing policy challenges, and fosters a global network of like-minded members across the West Coast and beyond.