On January 17, the Board of Directors of the National Endowment for Democracy (NED) elected a new Chairman, former Congressman Peter Roskam, alongside two distinguished new Board Members: Eileen Donahoe and Ambassador Robert O’Brien. Roskam succeeds Kenneth Wollack, who has served as Chairman for the past four years and will remain engaged as a Vice Chair of the Endowment.
“NED’s work in support of democracy around the world will benefit greatly from the leadership of Congressman Roskam, building on his many contributions as a dedicated Board member, his passion for the mission, and his extensive relationships with Members of Congress who oversee NED’s work,” said NED President and CEO Damon Wilson.
“In this important time of transition for our nation and for NED, we are also delighted to welcome Ambassador Robert O’Brien to the Board and welcome back Eileen Donahoe. Peter’s leadership, along with the deep expertise of Eileen and Robert, comes at a consequential moment as NED’s courageous partners face increasing attacks for defending universal values, human rights, and freedoms,” said Wilson. “NED will also benefit from Ken’s continued service on the Board after a distinguished career leading one of the NED’s core institutes, the National Democratic Institute, and then leading the NED Board.”
Congressman Roskam brings decades of experience as a public servant and lawyer to the role, including as NED’s longest serving Board Member. Over the course of 25 years in elected office, he served six terms in the U.S. House of Representatives, including in Congressional leadership positions such as Chief Deputy Whip and Chair of the House Democracy Partnership. He also served in the Illinois House of Representatives and State Senate. (Read more about Congressman Roskam here.)
“NED is playing a crucial role to support American interests and values as our nation faces profound challenges from China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, Cuba, Venezuela and other authoritarian regimes seeking to erode the foundations of free society,” said Congressman Roskam. “I’m honored to step into this role, build on Ken’s leadership, and guide this talented, bipartisan Board as we navigate a profound moment supporting those who take the initiative in the fight for liberty. On behalf of the Board, I’m pleased to welcome Ambassador Robert O’Brien, as well as returning Board Member Eileen Donahoe, whose experience, leadership, and commitment will strengthen NED’s mission demonstrating that the United States will always stand with those who seek freedom.”
Eileen Donahoe recently concluded public service as Special Envoy and Coordinator for Digital Freedom in the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Cyberspace and Digital Policy (CDP), and previously, served as the first US Ambassador to the United Nations Human Rights Council. Ambassador Robert O’Brien is the co-founder and chairman of American Global Strategies LLC. He was the 27th United States National Security Advisor from 2019 – 2021. O’Brien served as President Trump’s principal advisor on all aspects of American foreign policy and national security affairs.
Reflecting on his time as Chairman, Wollack said, “Leading NED’s Board has been a profound privilege. I’ve witnessed extraordinary bravery and resilience from our partners in every corner of the world—and the meaningful support of the American people. Together, we have supported the courageous efforts of democrats fighting for freedom and their fundamental human rights. I know this mission will only grow stronger under Peter’s leadership.”
The NED Board also elected Stephen Biegun as co-Vice Chair, Juan Zarate as Treasurer, and Jendayi Frazer as Secretary. Jessica Adelman was renewed as Chair of the Budget, Audit, and Administration Committee for an additional three-year term.
Wilson also recognized the enormous contributions of departing Board members: Congressman David Skaggs and Marlene Colucci, who served on the Board for three terms, totaling nine years, as well as Anne Applebaum and Nadia Schadlow. “We are grateful to our departing Board members who helped NED sharpen its strategy and execution, as a unique asset for our nation effectively supporting freedom around the world,” said Wilson. “Their expertise and leadership on the Board will be missed.”
About Congressman Peter Roskam: A former six-term U.S. Representative from Illinois, Peter Roskam is a partner and leads the Federal Policy team at BakerHostetler. While in Congress he served in the House Leadership, chaired three major subcommittees of the House Ways and Means Committee, and was a primary architect of the historic 2017 overhaul of the America’s tax code. He chaired the U.S. House Democracy Partnership, a bipartisan commission supporting emerging democracies abroad and co-chaired the India Caucus, the Korea Caucus, the Bipartisan Task Force to Combat Anti-Semitism and the Republican Israel Caucus. He was a member of the Select Committee on Events surrounding the 2012 Terrorist Attack in Benghazi, Libya. (Read more about Congressman Peter Roskam here.)
About Eileen Donahoe: Eileen Donahoe recently concluded public service as Special Envoy and Coordinator for Digital Freedom in the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Cyberspace and Digital Policy (CDP). Previously, Dr. Donahoe served as the Executive Director of the Global Digital Policy Incubator at Stanford University, a multistakeholder collaboration hub focused on implications of digital technology for democracy and human rights. She also served as the first U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva during the Obama Administration. (Read more about Eileen Donahoe here.)
About Ambassador Robert O’Brien: The co-founder and chairman of American Global Strategies LLC, Ambassador Robert O’Brien was the 27th United States National Security Advisor from 2019 – 2021. O’Brien served as President Trump’s principal advisor on all aspects of American foreign policy and national security affairs. Prior to serving as National Security Advisor, O’Brien was the Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs with the personal rank of Ambassador. (Read more about Ambassador Robert O’Brien here.)
About the National Endowment for Democracy (NED):
NED is a private nonprofit, grant-making foundation dedicated to the development and strengthening of democratic institutions around the world. Along with four core institutes—the National Democratic Institute, the International Republican Institute, the Solidarity Center, and the Center for International Private Enterprise—NED provides assistance to strengthen democratic institutions and political processes; trade unions; free markets; and business associations, in addition to supporting a vibrant civil society that support human rights, an independent media, and the rule of law. With an annual appropriation from Congress, NED funds more than 2,000 grants in 100 countries. NED’s grants program is augmented by the International Forum for Democratic Studies, a research center that publishes the Journal of Democracy; the World Movement for Democracy; and the Center for International Media Assistance.
Media Contact:
- Carolyn Stewart, Press Secretary, (202) 492-5306, carolyns@ned.org
