Ambassador Robert O. Blake, Jr. (right)

Featured Speaker

Ambassador Blake served for 31 years in the State Department in a wide range of leadership positions. From 2013-2016, he served as the US Ambassador to Indonesia, where he focused on building stronger business and educational ties between the US and Indonesia, while also developing cooperation to help Indonesia reduce greenhouse gas emissions. In 2009, he was nominated to be Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia, and he served as US Ambassador to Sri Lanka and the Maldives. He served as Deputy Chief of Mission in India from 2003-2006, where he was named the worldwide DCM of the Year by the State Department. Deputy Executive Secretary for the Department of State from 2000-2001, and Senior Desk Officer responsible for economic and political relations with Turkey from 1998-2000. He has also served in Tunisia, Algeria, Egypt, and Nigeria. He is currently Chairman of the Board of the US-Indonesia Society, and he is a member of the board of the Asia Foundation and the Bhutan Foundation. He is currently the Senior Director for Southeast Asia for McLarty Associates working with clients in India and Southeast Asia.

 *****************************************************

The Washington Connections offers a new approach for those interested in international affairs and world events to engage in dialogue with those experienced individuals who can serve as a guide to help those interested in furthering their knowledge and career path. Our new networking platform is exciting because it unites those who are working in international affairs, whether in Congress, the World Bank, the State Department, the International Monetary Fund and other agencies, our Happy Hour is an important meeting point.