WASHINGTON D.C. – Meridian International Center announced today that Governor James J. Blanchard has been named Chairman of its Board of Trustees. Blanchard, who has served as a Governor of the state of Michigan, US Ambassador to Canada and member of the US Congress will begin his term immediately.

Meridian International Center, founded in 1960, is a leading non-partisan, not-for-profit institution dedicated to strengthening international understanding and global engagement. Blanchard, a current Meridian Trustee, succeeds the Hon. James R. Jones, former U.S. Ambassador to Mexico and US Congressman from Oklahoma, who served as Meridian Chairman from 2002—2009.

“I am honored to serve, particularly at this time,” Blanchard said. “The United States has begun a new era of public diplomacy, where we are listening to the world more and placing a greater emphasis on global engagement. This makes Meridian’s role as the Nation’s premier private institution for public diplomacy even more vital as we enter this new and exciting chapter.”

“Governor Blanchard brings unparalleled experience and vision to Meridian’s mission to strengthen America’s engagement with the world through the exchange of people, ideas and culture,” said the Hon. Stuart Holliday, president of Meridian. “With his broad public policy and diplomatic experience, he understands this pivotal time in the national foreign policy and how Meridian can help address issues of global concern.”

In particular, Blanchard said that in his new role as Chairman he hopes to build awareness about America’s collaborative role in an ever-changing geopolitical landscape; generate greater appreciation for the US Foreign Service; and strengthen ties between the 186 foreign embassies in Washington and the greater political community.

Senator George Mitchell, whose fact finding committee examining the crisis in the Middle East was hosted by the Meridian Center, said: “Jim Blanchard is an excellent choice to chair this prestigious, international organization. As a friend and former colleague, I know first hand both his character and his capabilities, and they will ably serve the important goals of the Center.”

Blanchard, co-chair of the Government Affairs practice at the global law firm DLA Piper, served two terms as Governor of Michigan, from 1983 to 1991. He was the U.S. Ambassador to Canada from 1993 to 1997. Prior to his election to the governorship, Blanchard served four terms as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives, from 1975 to 1983. He has been a member of the Meridian Board since 2007.

During his tenure as Ambassador in Ottawa, Blanchard managed a broad range of international interests including trade, natural resource, environmental, and national security issues between the United States and Canada, providing support critical to the passage of both NAFTA and the Open Skies Agreement. He is also the author of a highly acclaimed memoir on his service to Canada, “Behind the Embassy Door.”