Rafik Mansour Email & Phone Number

Washington, District Of Columbia, United States

Leads the Policy division for the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) at the U.S. Department of State. ECA is the soft power arm of the United States Government (USG), a Bureau of 650 employees and an annual budget of almost $1 billion (with grants authority). Strategically curates and implements educational and cultural programs that improve Brand USA all over the globe (promoting mutual understanding, economic prosperity, and security). Cultivates impactful public-private partnerships and fundraising. Oversees cultural heritage programming, the U.S. Speaker program, and a global network of 2 million alumni (including heads of state and business leaders).

Singapore, Singapore

CEO and Chief of Mission for 2 1/2 years of an Embassy composed of 25 U.S. Government agencies (including State, Defense, Commerce, Treasury, U.S. Trade Representative, and multiple law enforcement agencies) advancing U.S. security and economic prosperity objectives at the heart of the Indo-Pacific. Championed the cause of American businesses in Southeast Asia: over 5,500 U.S. companies are based in Singapore and U.S. FDI in country is over $300 billion (exceeding U.S. FDI in China, India, and South Korea combined). Collaborating effectively with the White House, Pentagon, and the Singapore Prime Minister’s Office, led the effort to renew the MOU for Military and security cooperation between the United States and Singapore until 2035 (signed by the U.S. President and key to the security and prosperity of the United States and its allies in the Indo-Pacific).

Yerevan, Armenia

COO of an Embassy with 400 U.S. and local staff. Principal Advisor to the Ambassador on all policy, management and personnel matters. A compassionate leader of people, managed all Embassy operations and interagency cooperation in Armenia and Washington. Oversaw insightful political/economic reporting and ensured the security of the Embassy and Americans in country during Armenia’s unexpected 2018 Velvet Revolution. Exerted sanctions pressure on Iran and effectively countered Russia’s malign influence in Armenia.

Washington, District Of Columbia, United States

Provided strategic direction for Public Diplomacy (PD) and Public Affairs programming for U.S. Embassies and Consulates in 49 countries in Europe and Eurasia. Managed $230 million in PD, Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA), and Economic Support Funds. Mentored PD professionals throughout Europe and Eurasia. Helped shape the narrative countering Russia’s disinformation campaign following its annexation of Crimea.

Paris, France

Implemented all U.S. cultural and educational programming in France. Led outreach efforts to minority populations and underrepresented youth in the country with the largest Arab, Muslim, and Jewish communities in Europe. Made America’s story heard through media interviews in French and Arabic.

Baghdad, Iraq

As Cultural Counselor in the largest Embassy in the world, led the cultural cooperation component of the Strategic Framework Agreement between the United States and Iraq. Chaired the selection committee of the largest Fulbright Student program in the world. Directed the world’s largest International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP).

Algiers, Algeria

As the Embassy’s Spokesperson, capitalized on fluency in Arabic and French to reach out to strategic audiences (youth and key influencers) to combat terrorism ideology in Algeria. Most senior advisor to the Ambassador on media strategy as well as cultural and educational initiatives.

Tripoli, Libya

First permanently assigned Public Affairs Officer in Qadhafi’s Libya. Spokesperson of the U.S. Government. Established the Fulbright and International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) in Libya. Led cultural heritage preservation in Cyrene in Libya’s East.

St Petersburg City, Russia

Led political, economic and commercial matters for the U.S. Government in President Putin’s hometown. Covered the ten regions in Russia’s Northwest, a consular district larger than all of Scandinavia. Played an important role in the only G8 Summit Russia ever hosted, St. Petersburg 2006. Engaged with Russian officials on all aspects of our complex bilateral relationship.

Rome, Italy

Played an important role in U.S. Government’s anti-terrorism efforts in Europe immediately following 9/11. Responsible for assessing, influencing and reporting on Italy’s policy towards the Middle East and North Africa. Received the Italian President’s Order of Merit.

Port-Au-Prince, Haiti

Interviewed and adjudicated 25K visa applicants (tourist and immigrant visas). Collaborated with law enforcement agencies across the U.S. Government to counter fraud and facilitate legitimate travel to the United States.

Master'S, National Security Strategy (National War College)

B.S./B.A., Biology/French Literature