Esther Brimmer exits State Department for ivory tower
Another assistant secretary of state slot is opening up with the departure of Esther Brimmer, Foggy Bottom’s maven of International Organization Affairs, who will be joining George Washington University’s Elliot School of International Affairs as a visiting professor next month. Her departure inevitably draws more attention to the slate of unfilled posts at the State ...
Another assistant secretary of state slot is opening up with the departure of Esther Brimmer, Foggy Bottom's maven of International Organization Affairs, who will be joining George Washington University's Elliot School of International Affairs as a visiting professor next month.
Her departure inevitably draws more attention to the slate of unfilled posts at the State Department, including the assistant secretaries of Near Eastern Affairs, expected to be run by U.S. ambassador to Egypt Anne Patterson (if appointed and confirmed), European and Eurasian Affairs, expected to be run by Victoria Nuland (if confirmed), and East Asian and Pacific Affairs, expected to be run by Danny Russel (if confirmed), just to name a few.
“I have truly enjoyed my tenure as Assistant Secretary of State and I look forward now to transition back to my other great passion — education,” Brimmer told The Cable in a statement. “When President Obama assumed office, he made reengagement with the United Nations and the international system one of his first priorities, and I was pleased and privileged to accept a position that allowed me to support the President’s vision.”
In announcing her arrival at George Washington, Elliot School Dean Michael Brown said, “Dr. Brimmer has a truly extraordinary array of international affairs expertise and professional experience across the academic, policy and foundation worlds. She will be a tremendous addition to our faculty as the Shapiro Professor — the Elliott School’s most prestigious visiting professorship.”
Brimmer’s State Department colleagues held a farewell gathering for her on Friday afternoon. She begins at George Washington on July 1.
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