In the wake of Senate confirmation on Thursday evening, Tara D. Sonenshine can soon begin serving as Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs, which includes representing Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton on the Broadcasting Board of Governors (BBG).
“Tara brings a rich background in international affairs and U.S. national security to her new position at the Department of State, and we look forward to welcoming her,” said Michael Lynton, the Board’s interim presiding governor.“At the same time, we’d like to thank Ambassador Kathleen Stephens for her contributions as acting Under Secretary these past few months.”
By law, the Secretary of State serves as an ex-officio member of the BBG. Representing the secretary on the board traditionally has been a duty of the Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs
Nominated in November, Sonenshine has most recently served as the Executive Vice President of the United States Institute of Peace (USIP). Prior to joining USIP, she was a strategic communications adviser to many international organizations, including USIP, the International Crisis Group, Internews, CARE, The American Academy of Diplomacy, and the International Women’s Media Foundation.
Sonenshine served in various capacities at the White House during the Clinton Administration, including Transition Director, Director of Foreign Policy Planning for the National Security Council, and Special Assistant to the President and Deputy Director of Communications.
Sonenshine previously was an editorial producer of ABC News’ Nightline, where she worked for more than a decade. She was also an off-air reporter at the Pentagon for ABC’s World News Tonight, and is the recipient of 10 News Emmy Awards for coverage of international affairs. She holds a B.A. in Political Science from Tufts University.
