Ambassador Roger Carstens Joins Spirit of America’s Advisory Board
Carstens served as Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs from 2020-2025
ARLINGTON, VA – Spirit of America, a nonprofit organization that harnesses the power of the American people and private philanthropy to support U.S. national security, today announced that Ambassador Roger D. Carstens, former Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs, has joined its Advisory Board.
“I am thrilled to welcome Ambassador Carstens to the Spirit of America team,” said Jim Hake, Spirit of America Founder and CEO. “Roger brings unique diplomatic and operational experience from some of the most complex and high-stakes environments in the world. His commitment to service and his deep connection to Spirit of America’s mission will make him an extraordinary contributor.”
Ambassador Carstens served as the Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs at the U.S. Department of State from 2020 to 2025. During his tenure, he orchestrated and led negotiations with the Taliban, Syria’s Assad regime, Venezuela’s Maduro government, the People’s Republic of China, Russia, Belarus, and Foreign Terrorist Organizations such as Afghanistan’s Haqqani Network, Yemen’s Houthis, and Mali’s JNIM, returning over 65 American hostages and wrongful detainees during the Trump and Biden Administrations.
“I am honored to join Spirit of America’s Advisory Board in support of its mission to ‘unite the American people with our troops and diplomats in common cause,’” said Ambassador Roger D. Carstens. “Spirit of America’s commitment to defending freedom and helping people secure a free and better life speaks deeply to me and aligns with the very values that have animated my personal journey. I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the success of Jim Hake’s exceptional team and to work alongside the dedicated and experienced members of Spirit of America’s Advisory Board.”
Prior to his role as Special Envoy, Carstens was a Deputy Assistant Secretary in the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor. A retired U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel, he served in Special Forces and the 1st Ranger Battalion. Carstens is a graduate of the U.S. Military Academy and holds master’s degrees from the U.S. Naval War College and St. John’s College.
Learn more about Spirit of America’s Board of Advisors: spiritofamerica.org/about/board-and-advisors
About Spirit of America
Spirit of America is a privately funded nonprofit that unites the American people with U.S. troops and diplomats in common cause: to defend freedom, strengthen security, and save and improve lives.
Spirit of America has an unprecedented partnership with the US military, formalized through an agreement with the Department of Defense. This partnership allows military personnel to collaborate with Spirit of America, identify needs, receive and distribute assistance, and provide logistical support.
Spirit of America has implemented over 1,500 projects in 112 countries in support of America’s national security.
No endorsement of Spirit of America by the US Department of Defense, Department of State, or US personnel is intended or implied.
