External Affairs

Meridian’s External Affairs office is responsible for maintaining relationships with Meridian’s external audiences, organizational communications, cultivating development opportunities, cultural diplomacy programs, and for the maintenance and renovations of Meridian’s historic buildings. This team is broken down into several (small but mighty!) arms, each with different roles and needs. Each of these teams is looking hire interns for the Summer semester.

Development

Our Development team is responsible for raising funds to support Meridian's global leadership activities, cultural diplomacy programs, and for the maintenance and renovations of Meridian’s historic buildings. These goals are achieved through annual fundraising campaigns, memberships in Meridian Councils, and public events and forums. Support comes from individual donors, corporations, and foundations. The Development team also spearheads the annual Meridian Ball, a signature event in Washington, DC, and Meridian’s largest fundraiser, now entering its 50th year.

Executive Office & Events

Our Executive Office team works to support the President & CEO, EVP & COO, as well as the larger External Affairs team. This is an Operations focused team, that plugs into many of the other External Affairs initiatives, conducts research and briefing on behalf of our Executive Office, and supports Board of Trustee initiatives.Our Events team supports all programs & events on Meridian’s campus, both internally and with external clients. They are the primary contact for most events where Meridian partners with the Diplomatic Corps, and works closely with the Development team to execute the Meridian Ball each Fall.

Communications

The Meridian Communications team supports the overall mission of the organization by engaging a broad network and audience through social media, the creation of online content, providing press outreach and support for all events, and developing a unique Meridian brand. The Communications team covers events and programs across all divisions within Meridian, including our international exchange programs, and External Affairs-led events.

Staff

NameTitle  
Rebecca Bernbach-GravesSenior Coordinator, Visual & Graphic Design
Vishva BhattSenior Diplomatic Engagement Associate
Katherine BoyceDirector, Center for Diplomatic Engagement
Maria CanellisDirector of Events
Kylie CashSenior Coordinator, Institutional Advancement
Erik CieslewiczVideo Production Manager
Julie CinnerEvents Manager
Amanda Deatherage KalyanDirector of Corporate Relations and Member Engagement
Steven GreenwaldCorporate Relations Manager
Natalie JonesExecutive Vice President
Frank JusticeVice President, Center for Diplomatic Engagement
Oliver KatzNon-Resident Fellow
Ava KnoxDirector for Institutional Partnerships
Rodrigo MoreschiCorporate Relations Program Associate
Halle MurdockAssociate, Institutional Advancement
Danielle NajjarDirector, Communications and Marketing
Ryan ScherbaAssociate Program Officer, Center for Diplomatic Engagement
Silbi StaintonSenior Director, Institutional Advancement
Puru TrivediVice President of External and Corporate Affairs
Ellie WarnerDirector, Institutional Advancement