Press Release

GMF Board of Trustees Elects Christopher M. Schroeder as Chair and Annie Maxwell as Vice Chair

February 29, 2024
3 min read

WASHINGTON, DC | February 29, 2024 — The board of trustees of the German Marshall Fund of the United States (GMF) is delighted to announce that a new chapter of GMF’s board leadership is beginning with Christopher M. Schroeder as chair and Annie Maxwell as vice chair. Their terms start today.

Schroeder, formerly vice chair of the GMF Board of Trustees, is a leading US entrepreneur and global venture investor, with particular focus on rising markets. He co-founded HealthCentral.com and was previously CEO of washingtonpost.com. In addition to his entrepreneurial leadership in technology start-ups and venture capital funds across several sectors including AI, Schroeder is a writer and an active voice on global political/economic issues and was named one of LinkedIn’s first 50 influencers. “This is a unique moment in the history of the transatlantic relationship. Never has our co-authorship been more crucial; never have our shared interests been more essential across a very new world from China to India to rising markets globally. In no time in history has understanding the intersection among policy, politics, business, and technology been more central. Under Heather Conley’s leadership GMF is leveraging years of astounding work and talent to lead in these days. I could not be more honored to work with her, our board, our team, and our partners across America and Europe.”

Maxwell, a 2007 Marshall Memorial Fellow, is currently Omidyar Network's executive vice president. She served previously in leadership roles across the social sector, including as president of the Skoll Global Threats Fund and as a White House Fellow in the office of Vice President Biden, where she focused on the implementation of the Recovery and Reinvestment Act. “My life-changing experience with GMF began almost two decades ago when I was selected as a Marshall Memorial Fellow,” noted Maxwell. “I am absolutely delighted to help guide and support GMF’s vital democracy-building and civil society work at such a critical moment in the transatlantic relationship.”

The Board of Trustees and the entire organization express their enormous gratitude for the dedication and longstanding support of its former chair, J. Robinson West, who is stepping down after 12 years in leadership as chair and co-chair of GMF. “Robin has been an absolute stalwart of GMF for nearly three decades by consistently providing his impressive network, talents, and experiences in support of GMF’s mission. I know Chris and Annie share his passion, dedication, and enthusiasm as we look forward with great anticipation to a new era at GMF under their leadership,” said GMF President Heather A. Conley.

Contact: Chris Schaefer, Press Officer (DC); Angelina Sutalo, Senior Press Officer (Brussels)

Email: [email protected]; [email protected]

Phone: +1 202-642-7727; +32 486 514 479

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The German Marshall Fund of the United States (GMF) is a nonpartisan 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.