James Glassman

James Glassman Speaker Biography

James K. Glassman is the Founding Executive Director of the George W. Bush Institute, having led the policy innovation arm of the Bush Center for four years ending Aug. 31, 2013. He is currently a Visiting Fellow at the American Enterprise Institute in Washington, specializing in economic issues and Chairman and CEO of Public Affairs Engagement, a global strategic communications firm.

From 2007 to 2009, he served successively as Chairman of the U.S. Broadcasting Board of Governors, which oversees all non-military TV and radio for the U.S. government and as Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs, leading America’s outreach to foreign publics. He was confirmed in both posts unanimously by the U.S. Senate and holds the lifetime title of Ambassador.

Prior to his government service, Ambassador James Glassman had a long career in publishing and broadcasting. He was formerly Editor-in-Chief and co-owner of the congressional newspaper Roll Call, Publisher of The Atlantic Monthly and the New Republic and Executive Vice President of U.S.News & World Report. He has been moderator of three public affairs television series: Ideas in Action and TechnoPolitics on PBS and Capital Gang Sunday on CNN.

For 11 years, he was principal financial columnist for the Washington Post and has written three books on investing. He is a member of the Investor Advisory Board of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. His articles on foreign policy and economics frequently appear in such publications as the Wall Street Journal, New York Times and Commentary. He has spoken in such venues as the National Press Club (weekly luncheon series), Chatham House (London) and the Detroit Economic Club.

James Glassman graduated from Harvard University with a B.A., cum laude and served as managing editor of daily Crimson.