The Alaska World Affairs Council was honored to welcome Marc Polymeropoulos, former senior CIA operations officer, author, and national security analyst, to Anchorage as part of the Evangeline Atwood Distinguished Speakers Series. Marc brings more than 26 years of experience in the CIA, where he specialized in counterterrorism operations and leadership in high-stakes environments. During his visit, he shared lessons from his book Clarity in Crisis: Leadership Lessons from the CIA, inspiring audiences to approach challenges with resilience, adaptability, and clarity.
Connecting with Students
A highlight of Marc’s time in Alaska was his engagement with young Alaskans. More than 400 students filled the Bear Tooth Theatre for an evening program exploring leadership lessons from the CIA. Marc captivated the audience with stories from his career and fielded an abundance of thoughtful questions, ranging from decision-making under pressure to the value of integrity and teamwork. The lively exchange demonstrated students’ deep curiosity about global affairs and effective leadership.
Conversations with the Community
Beyond the student event, Marc joined an evening conversation moderated by Alaska World Affairs Council Advisor and Honorary Consul of Norway in Alaska, Lise Kristiansen, offering a deeper dive into leadership in times of uncertainty. He also enjoyed an intimate dinner with Council members. That same week, the Council hosted a Coffee Chat with the Consul General of Greece, Mr. Grigorios Tassiopoulos, whose visit to Anchorage coincided with Marc’s stay — a welcome convergence that highlighted the variety of global voices engaging with our community. The two of them were able to connect over lunch arranged by the Council.
Experiencing Alaska’s Hospitality
Marc’s first trip to Alaska wouldn’t have been complete without a taste of the state’s natural beauty. On his very first day, he spotted a bull moose, checking off the top item on his Alaska bucket list. From engaging with students and community leaders to soaking in the local scenery, his visit reflected the warm welcome that makes our state a unique venue for global conversations.
Gratitude and Staying Connected
We are deeply grateful to Marc Polymeropoulos for sharing his time, expertise, and stories with Alaskans. For those eager to continue learning from Marc, we encourage you to explore his book Clarity in Crisis: Leadership Lessons from the CIA, listen to his podcast The Crisis Room, or watch him as a frequent national security analyst on MSNBC.
