We are proud to spotlight TLG President Recardo Gibson. As an officer in the Civil Service, Recardo currently works as a Public Affairs Officer in the Bureau of Consular Affairs, where he serves as a Bureau Spokesperson. Recardo develops media strategies for U.S. government initiatives and communicates with members of the press and civil society to promote and explain U.S. foreign policy objectives. He has received Meritorious Honor and Franklin Awards for his work.
Since joining the U.S. Department of State in 2010, Recardo has worked on special assignments including: leading the interagency review of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People, managing rule of law programs in Democratic Republic of Congo, aiding the U.S. response to the 2016 famine in Ethiopia, and supporting U.S. involvement in Asia Pacific Economic Coordination (APEC) forum meetings.
“I decided to focus my career on public service because there is value in the work we do. We impact people’s lives every day,” Recardo said.
Prior to joining the Department, Recardo worked as a Congressional aide, government relations professional, freelance journalist, and White House and Congressional Correspondent for the Talk Radio News Service.
Originally, from St. Louis, Recardo holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from DePaul University and a Master of Arts degree in Governmental Studies from The Johns Hopkins University. Recardo is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and a Term Member at the Council on Foreign Relations, where he serves on the Term Member Advisory Council. In 2016, Recardo was selected as a U.S. State Department Fellow at International Career Advancement Program (ICAP). Previously he served as a Director at Large on the United Nations Association-National Capital Area (UNA-NCA) Board of Directors.
Reflecting on his time as TLG President Recardo notes, “Being elected to serve as President of the Thursday Luncheon Group is truly an honor. I am proud to follow in the footsteps of our pioneers. For nearly half a century, TLG has been a leading voice in the Department. I am happy to do my part to help the organization continue to fulfill its mission.”
TLG mentors have played an important role in his career at the State Department. Recardo is dedicated to making sure TLG continues to offer opportunities for mentorship.
“I wouldn’t be here today if it were not for TLG mentors. It is important that TLG continues to mentor and inspire the next generation of leaders in international affairs.”
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