Advisory Commission on Public Diplomacy

The U.S. Advisory Commission on Public Diplomacy is a bipartisan panel created by Congress and appointed by the President to provide oversight of U.S. Government activities intended to understand, inform, and influence foreign publics.

The Commission, now in its 57th year, was reauthorized in October 2000 pursuant to P.L. 106-113 (H.R. 3194, Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2000). It is responsible for assessing public diplomacy policies and programs of the U.S. State Department, American missions abroad, and other agencies. Advisory Commission responsibilities extend to international exchanges, U.S. Government international information programs, and publicly-funded non-governmental organizations.

By law, the Commission's six members are appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate. They are selected from a cross-section of professional backgrounds and serve three-year terms with the possibility for reappointment.

The Commission reports its findings and recommendations to the President, the Congress, the Secretary of State, and to the American people. 

Staff and Contact Information

Athena Katsoulos, Executive Director

Jamice Clayton, Administrative Officer

U.S. Advisory Commission on Public Diplomacy
301 4th St. SW., Rm. 600
Washington, DC 20547
phone: 202-203-7880
fax: 202-203-7886