McLarty Associates is an international strategic advisory firm whose work lies at the nexus of business and policy. McLarty Associates understands the complexities of international markets and helps their clients navigate the strategic and operational challenges they face around the globe. The firm has a uniquely interactive approach and its team analyzes the international opportunity or problem, assesses the tools available to the clients, and develops and executes strategies. The senior members of the team, representing decades of top-level government and business experience, are deeply involved in the clients’ strategies on a daily basis. Their clients are generally Fortune 200 companies with substantial global footprints, but they also advise many emerging companies venturing abroad for the first time. Since 1998, McLarty Associates has served over 300 clients in more than 112 countries…and counting.
During this session more information will also be provided about their PAID internship and fellowship program, as well as career opportunities at McLarty.
Speakers Bios
Ambassador Robert O. Blake, Jr, Senior Director
Ambassador Blake leads our Southeast Asia practice. He served for over 31 years in the State Department in a wide range of leadership positions. He has served as US Ambassador to Indonesia, as Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia, US Ambassador to Sri Lanka and the Maldives, and as Deputy Chief of Mission in India. At the State Department he has also been Executive Assistant to the Under Secretary for Political Affairs, Deputy Executive Secretary, and Senior Desk Office for economic and political relations with Turkey, and served in Tunisia, Algeria, Egypt, and Nigeria. Ambassador Blake is currently Chairman of the Board of the US-Indonesia Society, and a member of the board of the Asia Foundation and Bhutan Foundation.
Reesha Patel, Associate for Administration
Reesha provides administrative and operational support to our team, including assisting with hiring and coordinating our interns. Reesha graduated Lehigh University in 2020 with a degree in International Relations and Economics and has prior experience working with Lehigh University’s Office of Economic Engagement, with the University Industry Innovation Network, and has been a Global Social Impact Fellow. She speaks fluent Gujarati.
Lauran Dondiz, Associate, Brazil and Southern Cone
Lauran supports our Brazil and Southern Cone practice. Lauran has previous experience working for the US Commercial Service at the US Embassy in Argentina and for the State of South Dakota. She holds degrees in Political Science and International Economics from the University of Notre Dame. She has live, studied, and worked in Argentina, Chile, and Brazil and speaks Spanish and Portuguese.