German Marshall Fund of the United States Announces Changes to Board of Trustees

WASHINGTON, DC — The German Marshall Fund of the United States (GMF) is delighted to announce the appointment of Shawn Turner as a trustee, while expressing its deep appreciation to David Ignatius, Marc Grossman, and Shyam Reddy, who have departed the Board at the conclusion of their distinguished tenures. 

Shawn Turner, a professor of strategic communication at Michigan State University and a national security communication analyst for CNN, brings to GMF a wealth of experience in communication leadership, strategy, and crisis management.  Shawn previously served as director of communication for U.S. national intelligence, at the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, assistant press secretary for foreign affairs at the National Security Council, and deputy White House press secretary for national security during the Obama administration.

As a trustee, Turner will oversee GMF's strategic direction and ensure that GMF has the necessary resources to fulfill its mission at this critical moment in transatlantic history. Entering its 51st year of transatlantic service, GMF continues to inform decision-making, inspire new policy ideas, strengthen civil society organizations and develop the next generation of transatlantic leaders—in the spirit of the Marshall Plan. 

"We could not be more pleased to welcome Shawn to GMF's Board of Trustees," said GMF President Heather A. Conley. "With his wealth of experience in national security and intelligence issues as well as strategic communications, Shawn understands the vital importance of America’s closest allies and partners, the role they play in strengthening American security and prosperity, and the urgent need to communicate this to the American people. We look forward to working closely with him in the years to come."

“It is impossible to overstate the importance of the work GMF does to advance democratic principles and strengthen our transatlantic relationships,” said Shawn Turner, “I am honored to have the opportunity to work with such an accomplished group of professionals and I look forward to helping bring deeper understanding to the growing number of transatlantic and global issues.”

As we welcome Shawn, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to David Ignatius, Marc Grossman, and Shyam Reddy for their unwavering and long-standing commitment to GMF. Their collective wisdom and expertise have significantly shaped the organization as a leading voice on transatlantic relations, and their impact will endure for years to come.

"For many years, David, Marc, and Shyam have each brought their own unique perspectives, invaluable insights, knowledge  to our Board of Trustees.  We are deeply grateful for their service," said Robin West, the Chair of the Board. "Their dedication to GMF's mission and their contributions to our organization will be greatly missed, and we wish them all the best."

Contact: Irvin McCullough, Press Officer (DC); Angelina Sutalo, Senior Press Officer (Brussels)
Email: [email protected]; [email protected]
Phone: +1 202-876-6605; +32 486 514 479

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The German Marshall Fund of the United States (GMF) is a non-partisan policy organization committed to the idea that the United States and Europe are stronger together. GMF champions the principles of democracy, human rights, and international cooperation, which have served as the bedrock of peace and prosperity since the end of World War II, but are under increasing strain. GMF works on issues critical to transatlantic interests in the 21st century, including the future of democracy, security and geopolitics, alliances and the rise of China, and technology and innovation. By drawing on and fostering a community of people with diverse life experiences and political perspectives, GMF pursues its mission by driving the policy debate through cutting-edge analysis and convening, fortifying civil society, and cultivating the next generation of leaders on both sides of the Atlantic.

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