David Killion

About David Killion

A legislative, foreign affairs and human rights leader who has prioritized creative, innovative, and entrepreneurial approaches to U.S. diplomacy. As U.S. ambassador to UNESCO (20••••14), I took concrete steps to defend universal values by fighting for the fair treatment of Israel at UNESCO and by defending Internet freedom, media freedom, and the rights of women and girls. An innovator in public-private partnerships, I helped Secretary of State Clinton organize the Global Partnership for Girls’ and Women’s Education; championed UNESCO’s role in promoting the use of Open Educational Resources; and facilitated new public-private partnerships with U.S. companies such as Microsoft, Procter & Gamble, and Google. I worked to sharpen UNESCO’s youth protection focus by supporting anti-homophobic bullying initiatives and facilitating the establishment of the Rutgers International Institute for Peace as a UNESCO Category II Center in the United States. In partnership with UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador Herbie Hancock, I also worked to establish the first annual International Jazz Day, celebrated in more than 60 countries in April 2012, and by 190 countries in April 2013. Prior to my appointment as U.S. Ambassador to UNESCO I served as a Senior Professional Staff member of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs and was the Committee’s top expert on International Organizations and State Department Operations. I managed the drafting of the State Department Authorization Act for Fiscal Years 2010 and 2011 on behalf of Committee Chairman Howard Berman (D-CA), which passed the House on June 10, 2009. I also coordinated the Committee’s initiatives to improve UN management and to reform UN human rights mechanisms, and served as the Committee’s expert on educational exchanges. I also served as an appointee of President Clinton in the Department of State, in the bureau of Legislative Affairs (19••••01), and as a legislative assistant to Congressman David Skaggs (D-C01•••••96).

Experience

1. Chairman of the Board of Directors

   Global Santa Fe

   Jan 2024 — Present · Santa Fe, NM, US

Education

• UCLA

  Master of Arts (M.A.), Political Science and Government

  1988 — 1993

• Wesleyan University

  Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Political Science and Government

  1984 — 1988

Skills

• Writing
• International Public Affairs
• Team Management
• Nonprofits
• Nonprofit Organizations
• Strategic Partnerships
• Public Diplomacy
• Public Affairs
• International Relations
• Educational Leadership
• Politics
• Public Speaking
• Higher Education
• Public Policy
• Cultural Diversity
• Cultural Heritage
• Foreign Policy
• Diplomacy
• Cultural Diplomacy
• International Human Rights
• Public Relations
• Policy Analysis
• Foreign Policy Analysis
• International Education
• Legislative Affairs
• Strategic Negotiations
• Human Rights
• Media Relations
• Government
• Legislative Relations