Alaska World Affairs

Community Spotlight: Perry Lewis

siobhan choi — Wed, 01 Apr 2026 18:23:03 +0000

Community Spotlight highlights members of the AKWorld community who are helping connect Alaskans to the world in meaningful ways. We’re kicking off these highlights with an educator whose work inspires students to engage with global affairs in profound ways. Through their curiosity, commitment, and connection to the wider world, community members like Perry bring our mission to life every day.

Community Spotlight | Perry Lewis

Perry Lewis has spent 30 years teaching in Alaska. Ask him his favorite moment as a teacher, and he’ll describe the instant something clicks for a student–when the world stops feeling distant and abstract and becomes something personal and real.

A few years ago, Perry brought 50 of his ninth-graders to an Alaska World Affairs Council talk on the Alaska-Russia relationship. While they were there, an AKWorld coordinator introduced the group to Vic Fischer, one of the last living members of the Alaska Constitutional Convention–the very subject his class had been studying. Fischer moved through the crowd, talking with students one by one. At one point, he turned to a student and asked what they were studying in class.

“YOU,” the student said.

Perry loves that story. It captures something he’s always believed about teaching in Alaska: that the past and the present here are uniquely close together. “Our population is small enough that, although we are worldly, we are never that far removed from the things that have made us who we are today.”

That closeness is something Perry tries to honor in his classroom, and it’s part of what drew him to connecting his students with outside voices. Hearing an idea through a new person, he says, makes it land differently. It helps paint a more vivid picture.

“When something I’ve talked about comes through the voice of another person–especially when community members take the time to show up–it elevates the subject matter and makes it more real. It helps students take it seriously and see themselves as global citizens.”

In 2021, he took that approach even further, chaperoning AKWorld’s Academic WorldQuest champions to Washington, D.C., for the national competition–the first Anchorage School District group to travel out of state after COVID restrictions were lifted.

“This was my favorite AKWorld event,” Perry says. “We placed 8th in the country, representing Eagle River High School, the Anchorage School District, and the State of Alaska. After being cooped up for a year and a half, it was a great way to celebrate a return to normal. I was extremely proud to represent those wonderful students.”

That success has only continued. His students have gone on to win the Alaska Academic WorldQuest competition again last year–and again this year–a testament to the curiosity, preparation, and global awareness he fosters in the classroom.

Outside the classroom, Perry is paying close attention to the rise of workplace AI and what widespread automation could mean for a generation of young Alaskans. It’s the kind of question he thinks deserves more attention in this state.

And if he could bring any global figure to speak in Alaska, he’d choose Angela Merkel–someone he finds fascinating, and whose perspective on where we form connections, political and historical, he’d love to hear in person.

When asked what he would say to other educators or community members who might be on the fence about getting involved with AKWorld, Perry said, “Do it. Go to see a speaker. Go to Academic WorldQuest. Try out the World Wiz Pub Quiz. Whatever angle you can find, connect with AKWorld. They are a great organization with great people to work with at every level.”

We’re grateful to have Perry in the AKWorld community. If his story inspires you to get involved, we’d love to welcome you. However you find your way in, the door is open.

Program Recap: The Future of Nuclear Energy: Innovation, Affordability, and Global Impact

Nadia Heffernan — Wed, 01 Apr 2026 15:43:18 +0000

The Alaska World Affairs Council had a packed room to hear from Ben Kellie, the founder of Applied Atomics, as he spoke about the way he is bringing his past work experiences to bear on the future of nuclear energy. After a quick primer on how nuclear energy works and what Applied Atomics aims to do, Ben Kellie and Mead Treadwell had a wide ranging conversation, followed by some excellent questions from the audience.

Key among the issues discussed was the price of energy that one of Applied Atomics installations would be able to deliver. As Ben noted, it has to be competitive – and it will be. There were lots of questions about the safety (very safe, with lessons learned from past disasters and near-misses), regulation (these are proven technologies, so largely work within the existing regulatory frameworks), and permitting (it only makes sense to build where people are willing to give nuclear a go).

About the Speaker

Ben Kellie is a Co-Founder & CEO of Applied Atomics, a deep tech startup working to unlock co-located nuclear fission power provide affordable, firm, clean power in order to unlock the next 1,000 years of energy for humanity. Ben began his career at SpaceX, where he played a critical role in developing their west coast launch pad at Vandenburg AFB eventually serving as Lead Engineer, then went on to build the landing barges for recovery of landed rockets from first steel in the shipyard through the first missions at sea. He then founded The Launch Company, which delivered standardized flight hardware and autonomous launch systems to a new generation of aerospace ventures, successfully bootstrapping hardware to space. That company was acquired by Voyager Space in 2021. He has an MS in Mechanical Engineering from Ohio State University, and a BS in Mechanical Engineering from University of Alaska Fairbanks. He lives in Anchorage, Alaska with his family.

Program Recap: Understanding Iran’s Uncertain Future

Nadia Heffernan — Fri, 20 Mar 2026 00:42:49 +0000

The Alaska World Affairs Council was proud to engage in a timely conversation with four experts—Jonathan Panikoff, a former U.S. intelligence officer specializing in Middle East security; James Ryan, a historian of the modern Middle East; Michael Walsh, a political scientist specializing on U.S. foreign policy; and Ryan Mayfield, a researcher focused on political risk modeling—to examine how Iran’s internal dynamics intersect with this widening conflict.

The discussion covered a lot of ground, ranging from the potential humanitarian ramifications of having over 3 million people displaced to the broader scenarios of how this conflict may play out both before the United States declares operations complete and how Iranian society puts the pieces back together.

Each speaker brought insightful commentary from their varied backgrounds as they thought through the possible paths forward for military and political leaders and the Iranian people.

About the Speakers

Ryan Mayfield is a co-Founder and Board Member of Silo2, which is dedicated to preventing violence, reducing harm, and fostering community resilience. Silo2 deploys systems innovations to create safer, more resilient futures for all. Ryan is a researcher and practitioner who focuses on empowering people to ask for help to proactively resolve crisis situations, ranging from mental wellbeing and sexual misconduct to violence in our workplaces and schools. He additionally works at building tools to help communities and organizations with Safe Haven. He has developed data models for political risk, built military innovation programs, and studied rebel groups in the Philippines alongside members of the U.S. Army Special Forces. Ryan has previously worked in defense and national security communities as a researcher and innovator. He is a published researcher in applying artificial intelligence to sectors like helplines and behavioral threat assessment and management. Ryan grew up in Western Washington. A graduate of Stanford University, Ryan remains affiliated with the Stanford University Peace Innovation Lab. He is a member of the Association of Threat Assessment Professionals.

Jonathan Panikoff is director of the Scowcroft Middle East Security Initiative at the Atlantic Council, where he leads the organization’s work on pan-regional Middle East politics and security in addition to directing the South Asia portfolio. He is concurrently a senior fellow in the Atlantic Council’s Geoeconomics Center, focusing on foreign investment and national security issues. A former career US intelligence officer, Panikoff served from 2015 to 2020 as deputy national intelligence officer for the Near East at the National Intelligence Council, overseeing Intelligence Community analysis on the Levant and the Gulf. He later led analytic support for the 2020 US presidential transition and, in his final Intelligence Community role, served as director of the Investment Security Group, overseeing efforts related to foreign investment reviews, including matters involving the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States and Team Telecom.He holds a JD from Syracuse University College of Law, an MA in international relations from the Maxwell School at Syracuse University, and a BA from the George Washington University. He is admitted to the New York and Connecticut bars and lives in Washington, DC, with his wife and two daughters.

James Ryan is the Executive Director of the Middle East Research and Information Project (MERIP), a non-profit publication featuring in-depth reporting and analysis of Middle East Politics and Society. Prior to joining MERIP, he served as the Director of Research and Director of the Middle East Program at the Foreign Policy Research Institute, a non-profit foreign policy think tank based in Philadelphia. He is an historian of the modern Middle East with a focus on the Ottoman Empire and Republic of Turkey, and his writing has covered political and cultural issues from the late 19th century to the present. He is currently at work on a book project investigating the history of dissent and opposition in Turkey during the interwar period in the 20th century. He received his Ph.D. in History from the University of Pennsylvania and an A.B. in Near Eastern Languages and Civilizations from the University of Chicago. He has previously served as the Associate Director of the Hagop Kevorkian Center for Near Eastern Studies at NYU, and as a Program Assistant at Penn’s Middle East Center. He is also currently serving on the board of the Ottoman and Turkish Studies Association as Executive Director.

Michael Walsh is Affiliated Faculty at the University of Alaska and Visiting Researcher at the University of Lapland and Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich. He is President of Future Continuum LLC, Non-Resident Senior Fellow at the Foreign Policy Research Institute, and Occasional Lecturer at the Foreign Service Institute. His research focuses on gaps in American foreign policy, while his consulting work centers on strategic planning and data-driven decision-making for U.S. allies. He has served on expert work groups for the Partnership for Peace Consortium, U.S. Army War College, and Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, and as Lead Researcher at the Hudson Institute. His insights have been featured in major outlets including the BBC, Financial Times, NPR, New York Times, Reuters, and The Guardian.

Program Recap: Seize the Summit: Screening & Conversation with Arwa Damon

Nadia Heffernan — Tue, 10 Mar 2026 17:24:01 +0000

In mid-February, the Alaska World Affairs Council held a special screening of the documentary Seize the Summit, followed by a discussion and Q&A with award-winning journalist and INARA founder Arwa Damon.

Seize the Summit chronicles the extraordinary journey of four young war survivors with whom Arwa encountered through her charity INARA—from Syria, Afghanistan, and Ukraine—as they unite to climb Mount Kilimanjaro and take a powerful stand against war. The documentary captures their thrilling and at times, difficult, ascent up Africa’s highest peak while revealing profound lessons about resilience, hope, and the universal impact of armed conflict on young lives.

Following the screening, Arwa and AK World Affairs CEO Siobhan Choi held a conversation about Arwa’s career producing and reporting in war zones and how she chooses to push forward in the absence of hope. The program concluded with audience Q&A.

Exploring Alaska

In addition to the screening, Arwa was able to take in some of the sights and wintertime activities in Anchorage like a fat tire bike ride along the Coastal trail and exploration of some of Anchorage’s local book stores. Thanks to the Anchorage Museum for arranging a private tour, highlighting Alaska’s history, cultures, and global connections. With a lucky break in the weather, Arwa was able to go flightseeing over Southcentral Alaska with longtime friend of the Council, Paul Anderson.

About the Speaker

Arwa Damon is a multi-award winning former senior international correspondent for CNN best known for her ability to draw out nuanced human stories in the midst of war and other crisis. Among her multiple awards is an Emmy for the documentary Return to Mosul. She has reported throughout the Middle East, Asia, Europe, and Africa.

After witnessing injured children in warzones fall through the gaps in access to medical care, she founded the charity INARA in 2015. It was through organizing the Kilimanjaro summit for INARA in 2022 that she recognized it was a unique opportunity to present the incredible stories of war survivors to a diverse audience. It was Arwa’s belief in the power of this documentary that led her to take the risk of leaving CNN, pursuing and self-funding the production of this project.

It has long been her passion to delve into the documentary film world and translate her vast 17-year storytelling experience into something that would bring global issues to a diverse audience in an unexpected way. This is her documentary directing debut. Arwa speaks Arabic, Turkish, English and French.

Program Recap: Africa in the Global Order with Chidi Blyden

siobhan choi — Thu, 12 Feb 2026 00:34:51 +0000

This past week, the Alaska World Affairs Council was honored to host Chidi Blyden for a full and impactful week of programs across Alaska, bringing together students, educators, and community members for timely conversations on global security, diplomacy, and Africa’s evolving role in the international order.

Chidi’s visit began in Juneau, where we collaborated with our friends at the Juneau World Affairs Council to host a presentation for their community. In Anchorage, we welcomed Chidi for a luncheon program that brought together community members alongside students as part of our Evangeline Atwood Distinguished Speakers Series. We also hosted an evening lecture with the University of Alaska Anchorage Department of Political Science, which was thoughtfully moderated by Professors Kimberly Pace and Dr. Forrest Nabors. The discussion explored Africa’s place in the global order, security challenges and opportunities on the continent, and the broader implications for U.S. foreign policy.

Chidi’s visit coincided with Black History Month, offering an especially meaningful moment to reflect on how history, leadership, and lived experience intersect with today’s global challenges. Her perspective added depth to conversations about representation, expertise, and the importance of diverse voices in shaping international policy and understanding.

We extend our sincere thanks to the students, educators, and community members who attended these programs; to Chidi Blyden and her sister for spending this week with us in Alaska; to our dedicated staff and volunteers whose hard work made the visit possible; and to our colleagues in Juneau for hosting the first stop of this journey.

Visits like this underscore the value of bringing global voices to Alaska and creating space for informed, respectful dialogue on the issues shaping our world today.

Exploring Alaska

Beyond the formal programs, we were pleased to share some of what makes Alaska unique. Chidi (and her sister, who joined us for the visit) took a flight to see Alaska’s glaciers and toured the Anchorage Museum. We are thankful to the Museum for their longstanding support in welcoming visiting speakers and helping them better understand Alaska’s history, cultures, and place in the world, and to longtime friend of the Council, Paul Anderson, for his generousity flying our speakers around.

About the Speaker

Chidi Blyden is an accomplished executive leader and former U.S. foreign policy advisor, with over two decades of transformative experience spanning national security, defense, economic development, and international policy. As the Principal of Culturally Bound, she develops actionable strategies to address Africa’s complex challenges and unlock its potential by leveraging the African Diaspora. Her extensive government service includes significant roles in both the Biden-Harris and Obama administrations. Notably, as Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), she managed the agency’s daily operations and chaired the Investment Management Committee, overseeing a $1 billion annual investment portfolio and an $8 billion active program portfolio. In the Pentagon, as Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for African Affairs, she managed relationships with 53 African nations and played a pivotal role in redefining U.S.-Africa defense relations, securing billions in funding for various security initiatives.

Earlier in her career, Ms. Blyden served as the Special Assistant and Africa Peacekeeping Senior Advisor to the Office of the Secretary of Defense during the Obama administration, where she oversaw defense policy for East and Central African countries and led the Department of Defense’s efforts for the President’s African Leaders’ Summit. Her expertise also extended to advising the House Armed Services Committee on African nations and Western Hemisphere defense and security priorities. A socio-cultural expert, Ms. Blyden’s work emphasizes the cultural underpinnings of policy and community-driven security. As the first Africa Director at the Center for Civilians in Conflict (CIVIC), she developed and implemented culture-specific training for the Nigerian Armed Forces to minimize civilian harm during the Boko Haram crisis.

Beyond her governmental and consulting roles, Ms. Blyden is deeply committed to mentoring and advocating for women and young leaders. She is a passionate advocate for ethical leadership and uplifting others in the national security and defense sectors, which has earned her numerous accolades, including the Office of the Secretary of Defense Medal for Exceptional Public Service, (x2) TrailBlazer Award from Black Professionals in International Affairs and the Aggie Impact Award from Texas A&M University. Ms. Blyden contributes to academia, as a regular lecturer at institutions such as Harvard University and Texas A&M University School of Public Service and previously as an adjunct faculty member at Georgetown University. She serves on the Board of Directors for the Sitar Arts Center and has held various roles in various organizations such as the Board and Leadership Council Member for Memunatu Magazine, a magazine empowering young women in the African diaspora and the Leadership Council for Women in National Security (LCWINS) and Women of Color Advancing Peace and Security (WCAPS).

Program Recap: Navigating the Arctic with Ambassador Mike Sfraga

siobhan choi — Wed, 14 Jan 2026 20:48:57 +0000

A Conversation on the Arctic: Virtual Program with Ambassador Mike Sfraga

The Alaska World Affairs Council was pleased to host a timely virtual discussion on the Arctic featuring Ambassador Mike Sfraga, one of the nation’s leading voices on Arctic policy, research, and international cooperation. With global attention increasingly focused northward, the conversation offered valuable insight into why the Arctic matters—not just to Alaska, but to the world.

For those who were unable to join us live—or who would like to revisit the discussion—the full recording of the program is available online.

We are grateful to Ambassador Sfraga for sharing his expertise, to the University of Alaska Fairbanks for their generous support, and to everyone who joined us for this important conversation on the future of the Arctic.

Program Recap: Ambassador Alina Romanowski

siobhan choi — Mon, 15 Dec 2025 08:41:47 +0000

Last week, the Alaska World Affairs Council was honored to welcome Ambassador Aline Romanowski to Alaska for a memorable and meaningful visit that brought together diplomacy, security, culture, and community.

The visit began with a timely public program at the BP Energy Center, where Ambassador Romanowski was joined in conversation by retired General Joe Ralston. Moderated by General Ralston, the discussion focused on developments in the Middle East, drawing on both speakers’ extensive diplomatic and military experience. Their thoughtful exchange offered the audience a nuanced look at the region’s challenges and opportunities, grounded in real-world policy and leadership perspectives. The program concluded with audience Q&A, which further deepened the conversation and highlighted the community’s strong interest in global affairs.

Exploring Alaska

Beyond the stage, Ambassador Romanowski’s time in Anchorage offered opportunities to experience Alaska’s unique role in national and international conversations. She participated in a visit and roundtable discussion at the Ted Stevens Center for Arctic Security Studies, where conversations explored Arctic security, strategy, and Alaska’s growing importance in a changing global landscape.

Adding a distinctly Alaskan element to her visit, Ambassador Romanowski also had the chance to go flightseeing over Southcentral Alaska with longtime friend of the Council, Paul Anderson—an unforgettable way to see the state’s scale and beauty firsthand.

Her visit also included a private tour of the Anchorage Museum with Alaska World Affairs Council Board Member and Anchorage Museum staff member Rebecca Pottebaum. The tour highlighted Alaska’s history, cultures, and global connections, reinforcing how local stories intersect with international issues.

About the Speaker

Ambassador Alina Romanowski brings more than four decades of distinguished public service to the World Affairs Councils of America, with deep leadership experience across diplomacy, defense, intelligence, and international development. Most recently, she served as U.S. Ambassador to Iraq (2022–2024) and Kuwait (2020–2022), where she helped advance key diplomatic and security priorities during a period of regional transformation. Throughout her career, Ambassador Romanowski has led efforts to build bridges across sectors and borders.

At the State Department, she served in senior roles including Principal Deputy Coordinator for Counterterrorism, Coordinator for U.S. Assistance to Europe and Eurasia, and Deputy Assistant Secretary in both the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and the Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs. She was also the founding director of the Middle East Partnership Initiative Office—an early example of her commitment to partnerships rooted in education, dialogue, and long-term engagement. Her public service also includes leadership roles at the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Department of Defense, where she served as Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Near Eastern and South Asian Affairs and founded the Near East South Asia Center for Strategic Studies at the National Defense University.

Ambassador Romanowski’s public service has been recognized with numerous awards, including a Presidential Distinguished Rank Award and multiple honors from the State Department, Defense Department, and CIA. She holds both an M.A. and B.A. from the University of Chicago and studied at Tel Aviv University. She is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations and speaks French, with additional studies in Arabic and Hebrew.

About the Moderator

General Joseph W. Ralston is a retired U.S. Air Force four-star general and distinguished national security leader who served more than 37 years in the U.S. military, including as Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff—the nation’s second-highest-ranking military officer—and as Supreme Allied Commander Europe for NATO and commander of U.S. European Command. A command pilot with more than 2,500 flying hours and 147 combat missions, he held a range of operational and staff commands throughout his career and played a key role in NATO operations and alliance expansion. Since retiring from active duty, General Ralston has served as Vice Chair at The Cohen Group and as a senior adviser on defense and international security issues, and he continues to contribute to public-policy discussions and strategic advisory roles.

Program Recap: Sovereign Strategies: Lessons from Norway’s $2T Fund

siobhan choi — Tue, 09 Dec 2025 04:33:52 +0000

Today, the Alaska World Affairs Council hosted a timely and insightful virtual conversation exploring what Alaska can learn from the world’s largest sovereign wealth fund—Norway’s $2 trillion Government Pension Fund Global. With Alaska’s own Permanent Fund serving as a cornerstone of our state’s economic future, this discussion offered valuable context, comparisons, and lessons for policymakers and the public alike.

We were honored to be joined by two experts from Norges Bank Investment Management: Paul Marcussen, Lead Portfolio Manager, and Roar Wold, Lead Advisor for External Relations. The conversation was moderated by Lise Kristiansen, Honorary Consul of Norway in Alaska, whose thoughtful questions helped illuminate both the global strategies behind the fund and the parallels to Alaska’s resource-based economy.

If you missed the live event—or want to revisit any part of the discussion—you can watch the full recording here.

Speaker Bios

Paul Marcussen is a Lead Portfolio Manager on the external strategies team at Norges Bank Investment Management, where he oversees allocations to active fund managers in Korea, South Africa, London, and select U.S. sectors. He also heads the New York office.

Originally from Sarpsborg, Norway, Paul moved to the United States for college. He served as a Second Lieutenant in the Norwegian Navy before earning a master’s degree in finance from the London Business School. His career has included roles in equity research and portfolio management at Morgan Stanley, Salomon Smith Barney, and Gjensidige.

Roar Wold currently serves as Lead Advisor for External Relations at Norges Bank Investment Management and previously held the role of Senior Communication Advisor. His prior experience includes strategic communications work for the Norwegian Armed Forces, where he served in multiple roles from 2009 to 2019, including spokesperson for the Chief of Defence. He also provided communications and media relations support for NATO Maritime Command and held a senior communications position with Norway’s military personnel and conscription services.

Roar’s background also includes journalism experience at E24.no. He holds a Master of Science in Political Economy from BI Norwegian Business School and a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Government from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology.

Program Recap: Inside the Reagan White House with Frank Lavin

siobhan choi — Fri, 05 Dec 2025 20:37:22 +0000

Despite snowy roads and an unexpected weather-related venue change, our community turned out for an evening of reflection, history, and conversation at Inside the Reagan White House with Frank Lavin. The Anchorage Museum generously stepped in—providing not only a welcoming space for the program, but also a special tour of the museum for Lavin prior to the event. Their partnership made the evening possible, and we are deeply appreciative.

About Frank Lavin

Frank Lavin brings a blend of public service and global business leadership to the stage. He served as Under Secretary for International Trade at the U.S. Department of Commerce, acting as the U.S. government’s lead trade negotiator for both China and India, and was responsible for commercial policy, export promotion, and trade negotiations around the world. He also served as U.S. Ambassador to Singapore, where he played a central role in negotiating the U.S.–Singapore Free Trade Agreement—America’s first free trade agreement in Asia.

Beyond government service, Lavin has held senior positions in the private sector, including roles in finance, management, and digital commerce. His experiences inside the Reagan White House and across the global trade landscape informed a rich, engaging conversation throughout the evening.

Public Program

Board Chair Samantha Correia guided the evening’s discussion, helping illuminate Lavin’s unique perspective on diplomacy, policy formation, and life inside the Reagan White House. Their conversation touched on foreign policy priorities and the behind-the-scenes dynamics that shape presidential decision-making, setting the stage for a thoughtful and wide-ranging audience Q&A.

The program was part of our Evangeline Atwood Distinguished Speakers Series, honoring our founder’s legacy of fostering informed dialogue on global issues. Following the event, the conversation continued over dinner with leadership from the Ted Stevens Center for Arctic Security Studies, exploring connections between history, strategy, and Alaska’s role in today’s evolving security landscape.

We are grateful to everyone who made the event possible and look forward to continuing these essential conversations in the months ahead.

Program Recap: A Powerful Conversation on Ukraine with Ambassadors Taylor & Sfraga

siobhan choi — Sun, 16 Nov 2025 08:55:47 +0000

This past week, the Alaska World Affairs Council welcomed a full house to the BP Energy Center for a deeply engaging luncheon with Ambassador William Taylor, former U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine, in conversation with Ambassador Mike Sfraga, Interim Chancellor of the University of Alaska Fairbanks. Their discussion centered on the ongoing war in Ukraine and its broader implications for U.S. engagement and global stability.

In the evening, we hosted an intimate reception for board members, donors, and supporters at the home of one of our Board members, providing a warm setting to continue the dialogue with Ambassador Taylor. The next day, both ambassadors traveled north to Fairbanks to bring the conversation to the UAF community — a continuation of our commitment to expand important global discussions beyond Anchorage.

About the Speakers

Ambassador William B. Taylor is a distinguished fellow with the Atlantic Council’s Eurasia Center. Prior to the Atlantic Council, Taylor was vice president, Europe and Russia at the US Institute of Peace.

From 2006 to 2009, Taylor served as the US ambassador to Ukraine and as the chargé d’affaires ad interim from 2019 to 2020 at the US embassy in Kyiv.

Beyond Ukraine, Taylor served as the special coordinator for Middle East Transitions at the US Department of State from 2011 to 2013, where he oversaw assistance and support to the Middle East during the Arab Spring—including support to Egypt, Tunisia, Libya, and Syria. Prior to his tenure in the Middle East Transitions Team and Kyiv, Taylor served as the US government’s representative to the Mideast Quartet from Jerusalem. From 2004 to 2005, Taylor served in Baghdad as director of the Iraq Reconstruction Office; from 2002 to 2003 he served in Kabul as coordinator of US government and international assistance to Afghanistan; and from 1992 to 2002, he served in Washington as coordinator of US government assistance to former Soviet Union countries and Eastern Europe.

Taylor holds a Bachelor of Science from the US Military Academy in West Point, New York, and a Master of Public Policy from Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government. Taylor also served as an infantry platoon leader and combat company commander in the US Army in Vietnam and Germany.

Ambassador Mike Sfraga (ret.), Ph.D., serves as interim chancellor of the University of Alaska Fairbanks. A geographer by training and a leading voice on Arctic affairs, Sfraga was nominated by President Joseph Biden and confirmed by the U.S. Senate as the nation’s first ambassador-at-large for Arctic affairs. He previously chaired the U.S. Arctic Research Commission and served as founding director of the Polar Institute at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars.

With nearly four decades of experience in Arctic research, policy, and diplomacy, Ambassador Sfraga brings deep insight into the evolving geopolitical and environmental dynamics of the region. He frequently moderates and leads high-level discussions around Arctic security, governance, and U.S. foreign policy, including at the Munich Security Conference Arctic Security Roundtable.

A Fulbright Scholar and author, Sfraga earned the first Ph.D. in Northern studies and geography from the University of Alaska Fairbanks, where he also completed his undergraduate studies. He is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations and continues to advise and engage in national and international Arctic policy dialogues.

Gratitude & Partnerships

We extend heartfelt thanks to our partners and supporters for making this event possible:

University of Alaska Fairbanks, for helping us bring this conversation to Fairbanks and deepening the impact of Ambassador Taylor and Ambassador Sfraga’s insights.
Our board members and volunteers, whose behind-the-scenes work made both the luncheon and evening reception run smoothly and meaningfully.

We’re proud to foster moments like these — bringing world-class leaders to Alaska and strengthening our community’s understanding of critical global issues.