The Georgia Council for International Visitors (GCIV) has announced the appointment of Dr. Rashad Richey as Chairman of the Board. The GCIV, which administers the US Department of State's International Visitor Leadership Program in Georgia, is dedicated to building mutual understanding and strengthening relationships between the United States and other nations through carefully designed professional visits and programming

U.S. Ambassadors have consistently rated the IVLP as the most effective public diplomacy tool available to them, and the GCIV is committed to enhancing the effectiveness of ambassadors, thereby strengthening the good work of the State Department nationally and abroad.

Dr. Richey is a noted policy expert, university professor, and broadcaster, and his appointment by the GCIV Board has garnered support from various leaders.

"I congratulate my friend Dr. Rashad Richey on his appointment as Chairman of the Georgia Council for International Visitors, where he will help lead Georgia's engagement with the world. A distinguished broadcast journalist and academic, Dr. Richey now adds diplomacy to his formidable array of skills and accomplishments." - United States Senator John Ossoff

"The Georgia Council for International Visitors, a U.S. Department of State funded organization, just made a game-changing decision by appointing scholar, broadcaster, and policy expert, Dr. Rashad Richey as Chairman of the Board. Dr. Richey is the first African-American to become Chair of the GCIV and will bring his knowledge of government, international policy, and high-level communications to make the GCIV a household name. The Mayor's Office of International and Immigrant Affairs and GCIV have been key partners in connecting Georgia and Atlanta, to the world. A key example was our partnership at the 2022 International Consular Ball. The GVIC brings people together from all over the world, reminding us of the beauty in our global diversity." - Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens

"The Carter Center has long been a supporter of GCIV and a host to many of its valuable citizen-diplomacy programs that link the local to the global. I am delighted by the appointment of Dr. Rashad Richey. His work exemplifies the bridge-building that is critical to mutual understanding in our increasingly polarized world" - Paige Alexander, Carter Center CEO

"I am beyond excited for the election of our new Board Chairman, Dr. Rashad Richey. Along with his wealth of experience, expertise, and unwavering commitment to GCIV's mission, his leadership will help guide us toward greater success", said Emily Shaw, GCIV Executive Director.

In his new role as Chairman of the Board, Dr. Richey will continue the GCIV's tradition of promoting international understanding and cooperation. His expertise and leadership will undoubtedly have a positive impact on the organization's efforts to build relationships between the United States and other nations.