Damon Wilson, president and CEO of the National Endowment for Democracy (NED), will serve as the School of Public Policy’s commencement speaker on May 21.
Wilson leads NED, a congressionally funded, private foundation focused on supporting freedom and democratic institutions around the world. The organization works with local leaders and groups to strengthen democratic systems and protect basic rights.
Wilson’s career has centered on U.S. foreign policy and cooperation among democratic allies. Before joining NED, he served as executive vice president at the Atlantic Council, where he helped expand their international presence and partnerships. He also served in the George W. Bush White House as special assistant to the president and senior director for European affairs on the National Security Council, working on NATO strategy, U.S.-Europe relations and responses to Russian aggression.
Earlier in his career, Wilson held roles at NATO headquarters in Brussels, at the U.S. Department of State and at U.S. embassies in Baghdad and Beijing. His work has covered issues ranging from counterterrorism and alliance coordination to human rights and conflict prevention. He began his career with Save the Children in Rwanda.
At NED, Wilson has focused on directing support to individuals and organizations working to advance democratic change within their own countries. The organization has also placed greater emphasis on how quickly and effectively resources reach those efforts, including through the use of technology in more restrictive environments.
“Damon Wilson has spent his career working across policy, diplomacy and democratic governance. His work supporting those advancing freedom around the world reflects the kind of impact we strive for in our graduates as they take on complex challenges in public service,” said Gustavo Flores-Macías, dean of the School of Public Policy.
Wilson has been recognized by governments around the world for his work advancing freedom and security. He holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from Duke University and a master’s degree in public affairs from Princeton University. Originally from South Carolina, he now lives in Washington, D.C.
The School’s ceremony will take place at 9:00 am on Thursday, May 21 in the Reckord Armory. The University’s main commencement will take place on Wednesday, May 20 at 6:00 pm.