Hon. Larry Hogan
62nd Governor of Maryland; Former Chair, National Governors Association

Larry Hogan isn’t a career politician. A best-selling author, lifelong small business owner, cancer survivor, and the most popular Governor in the history of Maryland, Governor Hogan’s unique insights into crisis management and leadership have been recognized internationally.

On election night 2014, written off by conventional pundits, outspent more than 5-1, and outnumbered in party registration by more than 2-1, Larry Hogan pulled off the biggest upset in America and became only the second Republican Governor of Maryland in 50 years.

After only a few months on the job, Governor Hogan was beset by back-to-back crises: one in the national spotlight and one in his personal life. The first was dealing with the worst riots and civil unrest in a generation. The second was battling life-threatening cancer.

Governor Hogan’s leadership through both these difficulties drew both national and international praise and commendation – from the President to the Pope, to business leaders, and politicians from both sides of the aisle.

Despite these daunting challenges, Governor Hogan got to work keeping his promise to Change Maryland for the Better. He forged bipartisan consensus on important issues and led the greatest economic turnaround of any state in the country – taking Maryland from 49th out of 50 states in economic performance to 6th.

The people of Maryland rewarded his success. Governor Hogan defied the odds and became only the second Republican governor to be re-elected in Maryland’s history when he won a landslide re-election in 2018, a year that proved disastrous for other Republicans, nationally.

As a Republican governor with a super-majority Democratic legislature, the popular view was that Annapolis would reflect the same partisan gridlock as Washington DC. Governor Hogan defied the odds, yet again, and worked with political opponents to pass the largest tax cuts in Maryland history, and forged compromises that allowed him to reduce taxes eight years in a row. For those eight years, Annapolis stood as proof that an antidote to partisanship existed.

When COVID-19 struck the United States in 2020, Governor Hogan took bold and decisive action and led the nation’s governors through the pandemic as Chairman of the National Governors Association. The Governor’s data-driven, open and transparent approach to handling the crisis was widely praised as both balanced and effective.

Governor Hogan left office in 2023 with the highest recorded approval rating of any Governor in Maryland’s history. Across every party affiliation, demographic and racial line, and geographic divide, Governor Hogan’s approval rating was near-or-exceeding 80% – a level that is wholly unprecedented in modern American politics. Throughout his entire eight years in office, the Governor was routinely ranked in the top three most popular governors in the country.

Whether it was navigating crises, working to forge commonsense and bipartisan solutions, engaging with average citizens, or defying conventional wisdom to achieve breakthrough success, Governor Hogan stands as an internationally recognized leader and sought-after advisor. Hogan is the founder of An America United, as well as the Founding Chairman of Hogan Companies.

Seminar Series
Democracy in Peril - Can America Overcome its Divisions?

In an age of hyper-polarization, distrust of our institutions, and wars in Europe and the Middle East, American democracy and our leadership role in the world are facing unprecedented challenges.

As governor of Maryland for two tumultuous terms, Governor Hogan led the most Democratic state in America as a Republican through the COVID pandemic, riots in Baltimore, and the rise of Donald Trump. Yet, after two tumultuous terms, he left office as arguably the most popular governor in America with more than 70% approval with every demographic regardless of race, gender, age, and party affiliation.

During candid conversations with students, colleagues, staff, and future leaders, Governor Hogan will offer his unique perspective on the state of our democracy, how to lead effectively in a crisis, and what lessons he can offer for how America’s divisions can be overcome.
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Dates & Times (EST)

Welcome Fellows and Introduction to the Cohort of 2024
February 1 | 1PM | Constitution Hall

Overcoming Political Polarization (featuring Govs. Spencer Cox and Jared Polis)
February 22 | 9:30AM | Constitution Hall

Leadership in Crisis
March 7 | 3PM | Kerwin 301

Whatever Happened and How Do We Fix it? - How American Politics Got So Crazy
March 20 | 2PM | Kerwin 301

Career Conversations with the Fellows
April 8 | 2PM | Mary Graydon Center Room 200

Daniella Senior
CEO and Founder, Colada Shop; Owner, Serenata & Zumo; Co-Founder, Bresca; State Department Culinary Ambassador

Daniella’s remarkable journey in the world of food and hospitality began at the tender age of 13 when she founded a thriving catering business right from her home in the beautiful Dominican Republic. Her passion for culinary arts and hospitality only grew stronger over the years, leading her to pursue formal education at the renowned Culinary Institute of America. Her dedication and commitment to her craft culminated in her becoming a Certified Sommelier, further enriching her expertise in the world of fine dining and beverage service.

Daniella's culinary adventures have taken her through some of the most prestigious kitchens across the nation, including the iconic Le Bernardin under the guidance of culinary luminary Eric Ripert. Her prowess also extended to restaurant management, where she played pivotal roles in enhancing the dining experiences at esteemed establishments like Jose Andres’ Zaytinya and served as a regional director for Richard Sandoval Restaurants.

In 2016, Daniella embarked on a new culinary adventure by conceiving a unique concept that captivated the hearts and taste buds of Washingtonians. This venture, known as Colada Shop, celebrates the joy of exceptional food, coffee, cocktails, and social connections. With five thriving locations and ambitious expansion plans, Colada Shop quickly established itself as a beloved fixture in the DC area, earning numerous national accolades.

In 2017, she joined forces with Chef Ryan Ratino to open Bresca, a modern French bistro that embodies the essence of seasonal ingredients and exemplary technique. Their culinary gem earned the prestigious Michelin Star in the guide's 2018 edition, a testament to their dedication to culinary excellence.

In 2019, Daniella unveiled her culinary creativity once again with the launch of Serenata and Zumo, a captivating dual concept at La Cosecha Market. Serenata, a full-service Latino cocktail experience, crafts exceptional cocktails inspired by the rich tapestry of Latin American heritage. Zumo complements the experience with its daytime Juice & Toast Shop, offering a delightful array of flavors and healthy options.

At the youthful age of 34, Daniella has not only established herself as a shrewd businesswoman but also as an exemplary professional in providing visionary creative direction and outstanding team management. She has demonstrated a profound commitment to the growth and empowerment of her team, with a particular focus on women and minorities. In recognition of her entrepreneurial spirit and impact, Forbes Magazine honored her in 2021 as one of the Next 1000, a prestigious list showcasing ambitious entrepreneurs from every corner of the country.

Daniella's dedication extends beyond the kitchen, as she actively contributes to the culinary community and various organizations. She serves on the boards of the Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington and Re:Her, while also participating in the James Beard Women Leadership Program as a fellow. As a Culinary Ambassador for the US Department of State, a member of the Latino Economic Network Advisory Committee, and a Fellow of the Culinary Institute of America Society, Daniella is a true advocate for the culinary arts and its impact on society. Furthermore, her involvement in Vice President Harris' Round Table of Latina Entrepreneurs reflects her commitment to empowering underrepresented voices in entrepreneurship.

In 2020, Daniella's leadership and influence were recognized by the Washington Business Journal, naming her a Minority Leader, and most recently, in 2023, she was honored as part of their 40 Under 40 class, solidifying her status as a trailblazing figure in the culinary and business world.

Seminar SeriesImmigrant Women, Food, and Policy: Unpacking Implications and Impact in Food Systems

Exploring the Intersection: Immigrant Women, Food, and Policy, a conversation that delves into the multifaceted relationship between immigrant women, food, and policy within the context of contemporary societies. A comprehensive exploration of the challenges, opportunities, and complexities faced by immigrant women as they navigate food systems while also navigating the intricacies of immigration policies and gender dynamics. The conversation places particular emphasis on the voices and agency of immigrant women, examining how their experiences can inform and shape policies that promote inclusivity, equity, and social justice within food systems.
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Dates & Times (EST)

Welcome Fellows and Introduction to the Cohort of 2024 
February 1 | 1PM | Constitution Hall

Immigration, Gender, and Food Systems
February 29 | 4PM | Mary Graydon Center 200 

Labor and Economic Policies in Food Industries
March 21 | 4PM | Mary Graydon Center 200

Career Conversations with the Fellows
April 10 | 4PM | Mary Graydon Center Room 200

Immigrant Women as Catalysts of Change in Food Communities
April 16 | 3PM 

Hon. Thomas R. Nides
Former U.S. Ambassador to Israel; Former Managing Director, COO, and Vice Chairman, Morgan Stanley

Thomas Nides was confirmed as the U.S. Ambassador to Israel on November 3, 2021 and was most recently the Managing Director and Vice Chairman of Morgan Stanley. A distinguished public servant as well as a business leader, Nides was the U.S. State Department’s Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources from 2010 – 2013. Earlier, Mr. Nides was Morgan Stanley’s Chief Administrative Officer, Chief Operating Officer and Secretary of the Board, the President and Chief Executive Officer of Burson-Marsteller in New York, and the Chief Administrative Officer of Credit Suisse First Boston in Washington, D.C. He also served as the Senior Vice President of Fannie Mae in Washington from 1998 – 2001. Mr. Nides presented his credentials to President Isaac Herzog, who accepted them, on December 5, 2021.

Mr. Nides also served as Chief of Staff to the U.S. Trade Representative, Micky Kantor, was Senior Advisor to Speaker of the House, Thomas S. Foley and was Senior Advisor to House Majority Whip, Tony Coelho. He currently serves on the boards of the Partnership for Public Service, the International Rescue Committee, the Atlantic Council and the Urban Alliance Foundation. He is a Member of the Council on Foreign Relations and the former Chairman of Board of the Woodrow Wilson Center appointed by President Obama.

Mr. Nides received his B.A. degree from the University of Minnesota. He is the recipient of the Secretary of State’s Distinguished Service Award.

Seminar SeriesCrisis Management from Middle East to Board Room and beyond.

Crisis is unavoidable, we see it occur in every aspect of our lives. What we and our leaders choose to do about these moments matter. In Tom Nides Seminar series we will use his vast experience in the public and private sector to talk about various forms of crisis, how to not only manage but move forwared in these situations and how to build a stronger tomorrow as we navigate the past and present crises. Taking a journey through government, the strength and stability of our financial institutions and how the future of diplomacy will not only affect us at home but as a global leader as well.
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Dates & Times (EST)

Welcome Fellows and Introduction to the Cohort of 2024
February 1 | 1PM | Constitution Hall

What's Next? The Future of US/Israel Relations (See Updates Below*)
February 15 | 7PM | AU Katzen Museum

A Balanced Perspective on the Future of the Middle East (A Virtual Conversation)
March 21 | 6PM | Virtual

Case Study: How the Financial Crisis of 2008 Shaped a Generation and What Does it Mean for Us Today? (Featuring former U.S. Treasury Secretary Hon. Timothy Geithner)
April 18 | 6PM | AU Katzen Museum

Career Conversations with the Fellows
April 25 | 6PM | Mary Graydon Center 247

*Updates: We are thrilled that you can join us for the discussion on February 15 for an important dialogue on the future of the US-Israel relationship. Unfortunately, Ambassador Nides has a travel conflict. Fortunately, Ambassador Dennis Ross, one of the most knowledgeable, influential and experienced diplomats will be our featured speaker. Few Americans have had as great an impact on US diplomacy as Ambassador Ross. 

We are also thrilled that Ambassador Nides will be on campus several times this semester in his role as a Fellow at the Sine Institute of Policy and Politics. 

Please click here to sign up for the new lecture. 

Hon. Manisha Singh
Founder and Principal, Sunstone Strategy Group; Former Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of Economics and Business Affairs; Nominee to serve as U.S. Ambassador to the OECD, AU WCL ‘96

The Honorable Manisha Singh is founder and principal of Sunstone Strategy Group. She has spent the last 25 years innovating and transforming diverse organizations to optimize performance and maximize returns. Her public and private sector roles give her the background to navigate the modern global business arena.  

She most recently served at the U.S. State Department as the Assistant Secretary for the Bureau of Economic and Business Affairs. She was unanimously confirmed by the U.S. Senate as the first woman in history to lead the bureau, managing a team of 225 people in Washington with the support of 3,000 economic officers posted around the world. She was the Department's key liaison to the business community and the lead official on digital policy, cyber economy, intellectual property, sanctions, foreign investment, international trade, travel and finance. While Assistant Secretary, she served for a period concurrently as Acting Under Secretary for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment and the Foreign Affairs Sous Sherpa (FASS) for the G-7.

A priority strategy she set for the bureau was a focus on the economy and workforce of the future. She developed a series of Innovation Roundtables inviting private sector executives to brief on the impact of emerging technology. Themes of the roundtables included 5G, artificial intelligence, blockchain, digital currency, smart cities, autonomous vehicles and Internet of Things. She has led bilateral economic dialogues with senior officials in countries around the world. She has traveled extensively in every geographic region and successfully negotiated treaties and agreements. Consulting with the private sector on industry impacts has always been her goal as a policy-maker. Manisha developed a signature initiative, Providing Opportunities for Women’s Economic Rise (POWER), a results-oriented platform to promote women in entrepreneurship. 

Her prior experience in the executive branch was serving as Deputy Assistant Secretary for trade policy, including intellectual property and technology, in the Bureau of Economic Affairs at the State Department. She began her public service roles on Capitol Hill. She served as Deputy Chief Counsel, and later Senior Professional Staff to the U.S. Senate Committee on Foreign Relations. In these positions, she was a liaison to the business community and worked to craft effective international trade and business policy including intellectual property, sanctions, foreign investment and international tax. Relying on her training as a corporate dealmaker, she worked across the aisle as a consensus builder to enact policies which contributed to economic growth and prosperity.

Manisha's private sector career formed a foundation for her decisions as an economic policy maker. She began as a corporate attorney at multinational law firms, including Reed Smith LLP and Squire Sanders & Dempsey LLP, where she advised companies from start-ups to large multinationals. In these roles, she developed a comprehensive knowledge of the strategic operations of companies ranging from internal management issues to business expansion opportunities. Clients relied on her for more than just legal advice. She counseled senior executives on corporate strategies and potential new ventures. Her relationships were defined by the trust and confidence clients placed in her advice. In addition to law firms, her private sector experience includes managing global public policy as an Executive Director at J.P. Morgan Chase & Co. This role continued to utilize her keen insights into geopolitical developments, economic trends and macroeconomic risk factors when advising the bank’s various divisions on global investment and strategy. 

Seminar SeriesAutomation, Innovation and the Future Economy: A Global Perspective

Changes over the decades in technology and society have influenced how we work and live. From the assembly line to mobile devices to AI people are constantly asked to adapt in a changing world- this seminar series will not only look at the history of innovation and its impact but explore how it is currently impacting society. We will discuss what can we do to embrace change, benefit from innovation and create policy and practice to benefit a changing workforce.
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Dates & Times (EST)

Welcome Fellows and Instroduction to the Cohort of 2024
February 1 | 1PM | Constitution Hall

The Economics and Impact of Globalization
February 27 | 3PM | Mary Graydon Center Room 200

The Innovation Economy and New Technologies
March 26 | 3PM | Kerwin 301

The Future Workforce
April 23 | 3PM | Kerwin 301

Career Conversations with the Fellows
April 26 | 11AM | Mary Graydon Center Room 247

Kara Swisher
Host, On With Kara Swisher; Co-Host, Pivot for New York Magazine; Contributor, CNN

Kara Swisher (@karaswisher) is host of On with Kara Swisher, co-host of the Pivot podcast, and editor-at-large at New York Magazine. She is the former host of the Sway and Recode Decode podcasts and the cofounder of the technology website, Recode.

Considered the top reporter in the tech game, Swisher has been reporting on the industry since the early 1990s. She was there when Amazon was looking for its first headquarters in Seattle, when Google was in its garage and when Netflix was just a small startup. Once called “Silicon Valley's most feared but revered journalist” by New York Magazine, Swisher has established herself as the oracle of the tech world with unrivaled access to the industry's most significant leaders.

Swisher was previously a contributing New York Times opinion writer and host of the podcast, Sway. She co-founded the technology website Recode and, before that, co-produced and co-hosted The Wall Street Journal’s “D: All Things Digital” conference series (now called the Code Conference) with Walt Mossberg starting in 2003. It was, and still is, the country’s premier conference on tech and media, with interviewees such as Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos, Tesla Technoking Elon Musk, Vice President Kamala Harris, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, Google and Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai, Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos, and many other leading players. She and Mossberg were also the co-executive editors of a tech and media website, AllThingsD.com, founded in 2007. Swisher worked in The Wall Street Journal’s San Francisco bureau.

For many years, she wrote the column “BoomTown,” which appeared on the front page of the Marketplace section and online at WSJ.com. Previously, Swisher covered breaking news about the web’s major players and internet policy issues, and she also wrote feature articles on technology for the paper. Earlier in her career, she worked as a reporter at the Washington Post and as an editor at the City Paper of Washington, D.C. She received her undergraduate degree from Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service and her graduate degree at Columbia University’s School of Journalism. Swisher is also the author of aol.com: How Steve Case Beat Bill Gates, Nailed the Netheads, and Made Millions in the War for the the Web, published by Times Business Books in 1998. The sequel, There Must Be a Pony in Here Somewhere: The AOL Time Warner Debacle and the Quest for a Digital Future, was published in 2003 by Crown Business.

Swisher has been a contributor to NBC, CNBC, and MSNBC. She’s also appeared on programs including ABC’s Good Morning America, CBS’s 60 Minutes Overtime, HBO’s Real Time with Bill Maher, MSNBC’s Morning Joe, and many more. She is currently a contributor to CNN.  

Seminar SeriesBurn Book: A Tech Love Story From 25 Years of Covering Silicon Valley

For the last quarter century, journalist Kara Swisher has covered the business of the Internet. This semester she will share with us that history and her experiences being at the epicenter of the largest boom in wealth and innovation of the modern age. She will also cover where we are today and how she views the current landscape, including the future of technology, its benefits and the challenges and how we navigate the rapid pace of change taking place.
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Dates & Times (EST)

Welcome Fellows and Introduction to the Cohort of 2024
February 1 | 1PM | Constitution Hall

The Tech Moment
February 8 | Noon | Kerwin 301

Burn Book: A discussion with Kara Swisher about her newly released book on the tech industry
March 8 | Noon | SIS Founders Room

Taping: On With Kara Swisher
April 16 | Noon | Don Myers Technology & Innovation Building, Room 111

Career Conversations with the Fellows
April 23 | 2PM | Mary Graydon Center Room 200

Patrice Willoughby
Senior Vice President, Global Policy and Impact, NAACP

Patrice Willoughby is Senior Vice President of Global Policy and Impact at the NAACP, guiding policy for the 114-year old civil rights association as head of the Washington office.

Patrice served as Chief of Staff and Counsel to the late Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones (OH-11), the first Black woman to serve on the tax writing House Ways and Means Committee. As Counsel, Patrice guided legislation to enhance retirement security and expand SBA lending programs. Patrice later served as Executive Director of the Congressional Black Caucus and as an Obama Administration appointee at the General Services Administration in congressional affairs. Upon leaving government, Patrice represented private sector clients for ten years, focusing on education, financial services, health, and technology.

Patrice earned a Bachelor of Arts in Music from Case Western Reserve University, a Master of Arts from the University of Cincinnati, and a Juris Doctorate from the University of Wisconsin-Madison after studying International Law in the Netherlands.

Patrice is a board member of the Women's Institute for a Secure Retirement (WISER), N Street Village (housing and recovery services for women experiencing homelessness), and Fort Dupont Ice Arena in Southeast Washington, D.C.

She is the recipient of awards: 2020-22 Top Lobbyist and Influencer by "Lawyers of Color"; a 2021 Top Lobbyist by the National Institute of Lobbying and Ethics; 2022 “The Hill” Top Non-Profit Lobbyists, and the 2022 Lifetime Achievement Award by the Washington Government Relations Group of Black government relations professionals.

In her spare time, you will find her skating at an ice rink, or walking her dogs. Patrice is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., and Metropolitan African Methodist Episcopal Church of Washington, D.C.

Seminar SeriesActivism to Activation

In critical moments of U.S. history, progress has been ignited by protest movements. This series will provide an overview of activism and protest, and the sustained civic engagement needed to strengthen and preserve democracy.
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Dates & Times (EST)

Welcome Fellows and Introduction to the Cohort of 2024
February 1 | 1PM | Constitution Hall

Activism and Protest
February 13 | 2 PM | Kerwin 301

The Process of Advocacy
March 6 | 2 PM | Kerwin 301

Political Engagement
April 10 | 2 PM | Kerwin 301

Career Conversations with the Fellows
April 17 | 2 PM | Mary Graydon Center Room 247

Distinguished Lecturer

Pam MelroyDeputy Administrator, NASA

Col. (USAF, ret) Pam Melroy was sworn in as the NASA deputy administrator on June 21, 2021.

As deputy administrator, Melroy performs the duties and exercises the powers delegated by the administrator, assists the administrator in making final agency decisions, and acts for the administrator in his absence by performing all necessary functions to govern NASA operations. Melroy is also responsible for laying out the agency’s vision and representing NASA to the Executive Office of the President, Congress, heads of federal and other appropriate government agencies, international organizations, and external organizations and communities.

Melroy was commissioned through the Air Force Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) program in 1983. As a co-pilot, aircraft commander, instructor pilot, and test pilot, Melroy logged more than 6,000 flight hours in more than 50 different aircraft before retiring from the Air Force in 2007. She is a veteran of Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm and Operation Just Cause, with more than 200 combat and combat support hours.

Melroy was selected as an astronaut candidate by NASA in December 1994. Initially assigned to astronaut support duties for launch and landing, she also worked on advanced projects for the Astronaut Office. She also performed Capsule Communicator (CAPCOM) duties in mission control. In addition, she served on the Columbia Reconstruction Team as the lead for the crew module and served as Deputy Project Manager for the Columbia Crew Survival Investigation Team. In her final position, she served as Branch Chief for the Orion branch of the Astronaut Office.

One of only two women to command a space shuttle, Melroy logged more than 38 days (924 hours) in space. She served as pilot on two flights, STS-92 in 2000 and STS-112 in 2002, and was the mission commander on STS-120 in 2007. All three of her missions were assembly missions to build the International Space Station.

After serving more than two decades in the Air Force and as a NASA astronaut, Melroy took on a number of leadership roles, including at Lockheed Martin, the Federal Aviation Administration, the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, Nova Systems Pty, Australia, and as an advisor to the Australian Space Agency. She also served as an independent consultant and a member of the National Space Council’s Users Advisory Group.

Melroy holds a bachelor’s degree in physics and astronomy from Wellesley College and a master’s degree in Earth and planetary sciences from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

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Distinguished Lecturer

Jim SciuttoChief National Security Analyst, CNN and anchor, CNN Newsroom with Jim Sciutto

Jim Sciutto is CNN’s chief national security analyst and anchor of CNN Newsroom with Jim Sciutto weekdays from 2-3pm ET on CNN Max.

Sciutto reports and provides analysis on all aspects of U.S. national security including foreign policy, the military, intelligence community and the State Department.

Throughout his career, he has reported from more than 50 countries across the globe including dozens of assignments from inside Iraq, Afghanistan and Iran.

Sciutto is the author of a book on Russian and Chinese efforts to undermine the U.S., entitled The Shadow War, published in 2019, and an inside look at President Trump’s foreign policy, entitled The Madman Theory: Trump Takes on the World, published in 2020, both by Harper Collins. His first book, Against Us: The New Face of America’s Enemies in the Muslim World, analyzes the driving forces behind Islamic radicalization.

Among the honors Sciutto’s work has earned are Emmy Awards, the Edward R. Murrow Award, the George Polk Award and the White House Correspondence Association’s Merriman Smith Award for excellence in presidential coverage.

Prior to joining CNN, Sciutto served as ABC News’ senior foreign correspondent, based in London, and the Hong Kong-based correspondent for Asia Business News. Sciutto began his career as the moderator and producer of a weekly public affairs talk show on PBS.

Sciutto has also served as chief of staff and senior advisor to the U.S. Ambassador to China, Gary Locke.

He is a graduate of Yale University, where he studied Chinese history, and was a Fulbright Fellow in Hong Kong. He is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations and an associate fellow at Pierson College at Yale.

Jim is married to Gloria Riviera-Sciutto, a journalist and podcaster. They have three children and live in Washington, DC.

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