Bratislava, 18 July 2024: GLOBSEC is proud to announce that General John R. Allen, retired U.S. Marine Corps four-star general and former commander of the NATO International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan, has joined the Board of Directors of GLOBSEC US Foundation. With a distinguished career spanning both military and diplomatic sectors, General Allen brings extensive experience and expertise, further strengthening our mission to enhance global security, prosperity, and sustainability.

General Allen commanded NATO forces in Afghanistan from 2011 to 2013, overseeing nearly 150,000 troops. Following his military retirement, he advised the Secretary of Defense on Middle East security and served as Special Presidential Envoy to the Global Coalition to Counter ISIL, expanding the coalition to 65 members. His extensive combat and contingency operations include deployments to the Caribbean, Balkans, Iraq, and Afghanistan. Beyond his military service, General Allen has served as a strategic advisor to Microsoft, a Senior Fellow at Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, and a Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. He was President of The Brookings Institution from 2017 to 2022.

As a member of the Board of Directors, General Allen will lead and oversee the development of the GeoTech Center within GLOBSEC US Foundation, focusing on the intersections of technology, national security, and democracy. He will also provide strategic guidance on other pressing global issues.

“Having General Allen join our Board of Directors marks a significant milestone for GLOBSEC US Foundation,” said Petr Pudil, President and Chairman of the Board. “His profound insights into military and policy matters will be invaluable. Moreover, John’s unwavering support over the years has been instrumental in our ongoing mission to foster global security.”

Sally Painter, Member of the Board of Directors of GLOBSEC US Foundation and Chief Operating Officer at Blue Star Strategies, United States of America, commented: “Congratulations to General John Allen on his appointment to the GLOBSEC US Foundation Board. His remarkable dedication to our nation, exemplified through his distinguished leadership as a four-star general and commander of the NATO International Security Assistance Force, is truly commendable. His exceptional accomplishments and dedication are invaluable assets, and the board is incredibly fortunate to have his expertise and vision guiding our future endeavors.”

Comment by John:  “It is a great honor to join the distinguished Board of the GLOBSEC US Foundation. GLOBSEC has become a prominent feature in the world of security studies and I’m proud to be part of this new Foundation.”

About GLOBSEC US Foundation:

GLOBSEC US Foundation is a non-partisan, not-for-profit public policy organization headquartered in Washington, DC, committed to enhancing security, prosperity, and sustainability, with a particular focus on Central and Eastern Europe. Operating exclusively for charitable, scientific, and educational purposes, GLOBSEC US Foundation aspires to educate about the realities of geopolitical situations and geostrategic relationships of Central and Eastern Europe to better inform American communities.