Wareham native honored for international diplomacy work
Brian Atwood was honored for his international diplomacy work. Source: Brian Atwood
Brian Atwood was honored for his international diplomacy work. Source: Brian Atwood
Wareham native Brian Atwood was recently honored by the American Academy of Diplomacy for his work promoting international development.
The American Academy of Diplomacy is an organization dedicated to strengthening U.S. diplomacy and increasing public knowledge of diplomacy.
Every year, the organization gives out a variety of awards and starting in 2023, the organization began giving out the Henrietta Fore Award for Excellence in International Development to recognize individuals who made significant impacts in international diplomacy. This year, Atwood is one of the awards recipients.
Atwood served in many international roles over a decades-long career including director of the United States Agency for International Development, otherwise known as USAID.
As director Atwood played a key role in saving millions of lives in Eastern Africa by working with then Vice President Al Gore and President Bill Clinton to get food and resources into famished areas during the “Great Horn of Africa initiative."
He also created the Office of Transitions for the agency to provide better immediate post-disaster relief.
Atwood also helped thwart Soviet spies in Senegal, while working for the state department as a regional security officer and helped end two dictators' reigns in Chile and the Philippines while working for the National Democratic Institute.
