APRIL 25, 2024

Pacific Council on International Policy Appoints Dr. Duncan Wood as Next President and CEO

LOS ANGELES, CA — The Board of Directors of the Pacific Council on International Policy is pleased to announce the appointment of Duncan Wood, PhD, Vice President for Strategy and New Initiatives at the Wilson Center, as the Pacific Council’s next President and Chief Executive Officer, effective July 1, 2024.

The Los Angeles-based Pacific Council is an independent and nonpartisan membership organization dedicated to harnessing the vast potential of the West Coast to influence global issues, discourse, and policy. Established in 1995, the Pacific Council hosts discussion events on matters of international importance, convenes task forces and working groups to address pressing policy challenges, and fosters a global network of like-minded members across the West Coast and beyond.

“Following an extensive search for the next CEO and President of the Pacific Council, the Board has unanimously selected Dr. Duncan Wood. With an impressive career in the policy and academic sectors, Duncan brings with him a wealth of experience, recognized thought leadership, and a proven track record in fundraising,” said Arthur J. Ochoa, Chair of the Pacific Council Search Committee and Senior Vice President of Advancement and Chief Advancement Officer at Cedars-Sinai.

For over 35 years, Dr. Wood has worked in the areas of international relations and policy. He is an internationally renowned specialist on the geopolitics of energy, supply chain policy, critical minerals, Mexican politics, and U.S.-Mexican ties. Richard Goetz, Pacific Council Co-Chair and Partner at O'Melveny & Myers LLP, notes, “Dr. Duncan Wood’s expertise in U.S.-Mexico policy brings a vital perspective to our Mexico Initiative, knowledge that will foster understanding and drive change here at the intersection of these critical relationships. We’re enthusiastic about seeing his dynamic leadership propel us forward in this exciting new chapter of the Pacific Council.”

Dr. Wood has frequently given testimony to the U.S. Congress, is a widely quoted media source, and has published extensively on a wide range of global issues.  He is the author or editor of 12 books and more than 30 chapters and articles.

Rob Lovelace, Pacific Council Co-Chair and Chair of Capital Group International, a division of Capital Group, commented: “Dr. Duncan Wood’s expertise as a seasoned strategist and innovative problem-solver makes him the best person to lead the Pacific Council in its new era of engagement, community, and impact.”

“It is a great honor to join the Pacific Council as the next President and CEO, to build upon and continue the incredible work led by Dr. Jerrold D. Green. I am inspired and energized by the opportunity to advance this community’s dedication to bring the views of Los Angeles and California to the forefront of international policy dialogues in Washington, D.C. and beyond. My job will be to continue the Pacific Council’s long legacy of providing education, connection, and engagement to its members to foster a community that makes a real impact,” Dr. Wood said upon accepting his new role at the Pacific Council.

Dr. Wood will take up his appointment as President and CEO of the Pacific Council in July 2024, after Pacific Council’s current President and CEO, Dr. Jerrold D. Green, retires from 16 years of service at the organization. Executive search firm Spencer Stuart assisted in recruitment efforts.