MacOn Barrow

About MacOn Barrow

I volunteered my family to host an exchange student when I was in the 8th grade and the experience opened my world to the power and value of international exchange programs. Curiosity ensued and I travelled abroad for the first time. Read more below to find out the exponential impacts of that one impressionable exchange experience. Colleagues would describe me as a strategic and analytical public sector leader with over 20 years of experience - including more than 13 years of federal service - advancing U.S. foreign policy priorities through public diplomacy programs. I bring proven expertise in navigating complex policy, budget, and operational challenges, supported by exceptional written and verbal communication skills. I enjoy leading teams, developing others, and building consensus among high level stakeholders. I believe in collaboration to solve complex problems. I’m also really good at navigating bureaucracy by building relationships to get things done. I enjoy leadership development and developing others. According to the Gallup Clifton Strengths Finder, my top 5 strengths are 1) Harmony (Consensus Building) 2) Developer (Developing Others) 3) Discipline (Organized Planner) 4) Empathy and 5) Consistency.

Experience

1. Branch Chief, Ivlp, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs

   U.S. Department Of State

   Jul 2023 — Present · Washington, DC, US

   The International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) is the U.S. Department of State’s premier professional exchange program. I contribute to the IVLP by:1. Providing strategic policy and program guidance to U.S. embassies worldwide and domestic bureaus, ensuring that IVLP projects align with the National Security Strategy and foreign policy priorities. Oversee a multimillion dollar budget, ensuring strategic resource allocation and compliance with federal grant regulations across 100+ projects. Provide direction and leadership on high-impact initiatives including four Special Award Initiatives for the Secretary of State, while managing multiple competing priorities and deadlines. Supervise and mentor a team of 8, directing the implementation of ~60 high-level exchange projects annually involving participants from ~70 countries. Coordinate and negotiate with diverse stakeholders - U.S. embassies, regional bureaus, civil society partners, and national program agencies - to drive successful project outcomes and resolve challenges in real time.

Education

• New York University

  Graduate Certificate, Non-Profit Accounting and Government Reporting

  2010 — 2011

• New York University

  Master of Arts (M.A.), International Education

• Harvard Business School Executive Education

  Secretary's Leadership Seminar, Executive Leadership Program

• TEFL International

  Certificate, Teaching English as a Foreign Language

  2004 — 2004

• University of Virginia

  Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Psychology and French

• The Graduate Center, City University of New York

  Graduate Certificate, Immigration Law

  2008 — 2009