Christopher M. Schroeder Selected as Vice Chair of GMF’s Board of Trustees

WASHINGTON — The German Marshall Fund of the United States (GMF) is pleased to announce Christopher M. Schroeder has been elected Vice Chair of its Board of Trustees. Mr. Schroeder, a global technology and communications entrepreneur and venture investor, has served on GMF's board since 2015 and brings a wealth of experience in technology, innovation, and media sectors.

As Vice Chair, Mr. Schroeder will play a critical role in overseeing GMF’s internal transformation as it begins its next 50 years of engagement as the leading transatlantic voice championing democratic values by strengthening civil society, forging bold and innovative policy ideas, and developing a new generation of transatlantic leaders to tackle global challenges. He will also work closely with the other members of the Board of Trustees to support GMF’s communications and fundraising strategies.

"GMF is incredibly fortunate to have Chris not only as a long-standing board member but now as the Vice Chair of our Board of Trustees," said GMF President Heather A. Conley. "His deep knowledge of innovation and entrepreneurship, combined with his dedication and energy in support of GMF’s mission to meet this historic moment for the transatlantic relationship, are absolutely invaluable to our organization. I am grateful for Chris’s wise counsel and look forward to continuing our close work with him in the years to come."

A leader in the global entrepreneurship, geopolitical, and economic communities, Mr. Schroeder is co-founder of Next Billion Ventures, an advisor and network partner at Village Global, and the author of Startup Rising, The Entrepreneurial Revolution Remaking the Middle East. Previously, Mr. Schroeder led Washingtonpost.Newsweek Interactive as its CEO and Publisher, co-founded HealthCentral.com, and served on the staff of Secretary of State James A. Baker III and Deputy Secretary Robert B. Zoellick.

“I am honored to serve on the German Marshall Fund’s Board of Trustees as Vice Chair,” said Mr. Schroeder. “The transatlantic and German relationships with America have never been more crucial and the pace of change in global technology is without precedent. I believe that GMF is uniquely positioned to have meaningful global impact in this historic environment, and I look forward to working with Heather, my fellow trustees, and the GMF team to advance its mission in these critical days.”

As we recognize the one-year mark following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Mr. Schroeder's appointment comes at a critical moment as the United States and Europe face a range of complex challenges. GMF is committed to fostering new policy ideas, dialogue, and cooperation between a variety of key transatlantic stakeholders, and Mr. Schroeder's expertise and leadership will be key to achieving this mission.

“Chris is a highly respected member of the board and a thought leader in innovation and entrepreneurship, key areas to ensure transatlantic economic competitiveness. We are fortunate to have him serve in this leadership position,” said Robin West, the Chair of the Board.

Mr. Schroeder was elected to serve as Vice Chair by unanimous vote. His term of service is effective immediately. He has also served on the boards of the American Council on Germany, the American University School of International Service, and the American University in Beirut, among others, and is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations and the Board of YPO's Global Diplomacy Network.