Gamma Pi's Bro. Teddy Taylor Named to Prestigious Diplomatic Board

by Bro. Kyle Randolph Bacon

HONOLULU (March 1, 2024) Antony J. Blinken, the US Secretary of State, has recently announced the appointment of five new members to the Board of Governors of the East-West Center. Among the newly appointed members is Ambassador (Ret.) Brother Teddy Taylor, a prominent figure in the Gamma Pi Chapter. Brother Taylor had a distinguished 40-year career in the US Foreign Service, having served in various parts of the world, including Central America, Europe, the Caribbean, the South Pacific, and Africa. From 2009-20012, Brother Taylor served concurrently as the United States Ambassador to the Republics of Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu.   

 

Bro. Taylor held several other noteworthy positions, including Consul General in Cape Town, South Africa, Diplomat in Residence at Howard University and Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Human Resources, in the latter assignment, Ambassador Taylor was responsible for overseeing the activities of a global multi-national human capital footprint of 75,000 personnel and a budget of over $3 billion. With his extensive experience and impressive track record, Bro. Ambassador Taylor is a valuable addition to the Board of Governors of the East-West Center.

 

“ I want to thank Secretary Blinken for the opportunity to serve once again. Serving the nation is always a humbling honor," said Bro. Taylor. "I enthusiastically look forward to working with colleagues fulfill the Center’s mission."

 

The East-West Center fosters mutual understanding and better relationships between the United States, Asia, and the Pacific. The Center, established in 1960 by the US Congress, is an independent, public, nonprofit organization that promotes cooperative study, research, and dialogue among individuals from these regions.

 

As a resource for information and analysis, the Center brings diverse groups of people together to exchange views, build expertise, and develop policy options. To fulfill its mission, the Center receives funding from the US government and additional support from the region's private agencies, individuals, foundations, corporations, and governments.

 

The East-West Center contributes to advancing peace and prosperity by promoting mutual understanding and cooperation among its stakeholders.

Read Bro. Taylor's Medium blog post from 2015 when he was stationed in Cape Town, South Africa as the U.S. Consul General: "Seven Months on the Move"

 Bro. Taylor with current U.N. Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield (left)
 and Ambassador Joyce Barr upon their State Department retirements in 2017