Eileen O’Connor Joins Spirit of America’s Board of Advisors
O’Connor Served as US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia
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 Eileen O’Connor has joined its Board of Advisors.
“Eileen brings to Spirit of America unique expertise in journalism, diplomacy, and communications and a deep commitment to service and America’s values. She will make great contributions to SOA’s mission and the safety and success of America’s troops and diplomats,” said Jim Hake, Spirit of America Founder and CEO.
O’Connor served as US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia and as senior adviser to the Special Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan. From 2011 to 2012, she was based in Kabul, Afghanistan, where she oversaw $400 million in public diplomacy programs focused on building independent media, telecommunications, economically empowering women, voter protection and participation, and countering violent extremism. She received multiple Superior and Meritorious Honor Awards for her work.
“I am deeply honored to join Spirit of America’s Advisory Board, an organization that exemplifies how American citizens can directly support our nation’s security and values around the world,” said Eileen O’Connor. “Having witnessed firsthand the stark contrast between authoritarian regimes and free societies — from covering Russia’s transition after communism to reporting from conflict zones where the rule of law was absent — I’ve seen the critical importance of America’s leadership in promoting democracy and human dignity. I’ve also observed that government efforts alone cannot address today’s complex global challenges. Spirit of America’s unique approach of uniting everyday Americans with our troops and diplomats represents exactly the kind of innovative civilian leadership our world needs.”
O’Connor is the founder and CEO of Garnet Group Public Affairs. She began her career as an award-winning journalist for ABC News and CNN, covering global conflicts and politics from London, Tokyo, and Moscow bureaus. O’Connor holds degrees from Georgetown University (JD and BBA), the London School of Economics, and an honorary degree from Yale.
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 1,600 projects in 114 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.
