GMF Congratulates Reta Jo Lewis on Senate Confirmation

The German Marshall Fund of the United States congratulates Reta Jo Lewis, senior fellow and director of congressional affairs, on her confirmation by the United States Senate to serve as president and chair of the Export-Import Bank of the United States.

“Reta Jo’s work with legislators and other leaders has been integral to our work bringing the two sides of the Atlantic together,” said GMF President Heather A. Conley. “On issues ranging from technology to trade to diversity, equity, and inclusion, she has helped spark connections and build understanding between Europe and America. All of us at GMF are grateful for her efforts and I know her impact will only continue in this new role.”

Since joining GMF in 2015, Lewis has engaged Congress through briefings and discussions, arranging testimony from GMF experts, and managing legislative exchange with European counterparts. She also established major convening series, including the Women of Color in National Security annual gathering and the Stakeholder Influence on Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity transatlantic dialogue series. Her work also enhanced diplomacy at the state and local levels through policy recommendations on subnational diplomacy and engaging state, city, and other subnational leaders in GMF activities.

A number of GMF leaders and experts have taken on senior roles in the Biden administration, including former President Karen Donfried, now serving as Assistant Secretary of State for Europe and Eurasia, Derek Chollet, now serving as counselor to the State Department, Laura Rosenberger now serving as senior director for China on the National Security Council, and Julianne Smith, now serving as U.S. ambassador to NATO.