Lowell Bruce Laingen

Lowell Bruce Laingen

"Ambassador Laingen is currently President of the American Academy of Diplomacy, a nonprofit, limited membership society of 100 men and women retired from government service who have held senior positions in the conduct of American foreign policy, whether as career or political appointees. The Academy is dedicated to fostering the highest standards in the conduct of diplomacy, particularly those nominated by the President as ambassadors. Ambassador Laingen is a Minnesotan, who served in the Foreign Service for 38 years, including time as a hostage in Iran from 1979-198 1. Following his release, Ambassador Laingen served as Vice President of the National Defense University in Washington, D.C. until his retirement from the Foreign Service in 1987. He was executive Director of the National Commission on the Public Service (The Volcker Commission) from 1987 until the Commission completed its work in 1990. In addition to his work with the American Academy of Diplomacy, Ambassador Laingen serves on the boards of A Presidential Classroom for Young Americans, the Mercersburg Academy of Pennsylvania, No Greater Love and the National Defense University Foundation and lectures frequently on the subject of U.S.-Iranian affairs. He is a graduate of St. Olaf College in Minnesota, the National War College and has a Masters degree in international relations from the University of Minnesota."

• Advisory Council, American Iranian Council