John J Sullivan

Former U.S. Ambassador to Russia John J. Sullivan was appointed a Distinguished Fellow at Georgetown University's School of Foreign Service effective November 1, 2022, after retiring from a notable career in public service that spanned over four decades and five U.S. presidents. Before his most recent diplomatic post in Moscow, Sullivan served as the 19th U.S. Deputy Secretary of State from 2017 to 2019, and as Acting U.S. Secretary of State in March-April 2018. He also held the role of U.S. Deputy Secretary of Commerce from 2007 to 2009. In earlier administrations, Sullivan chaired the U.S.-Iraq Business Dialogue and held senior positions in the Departments of Justice, Defense, and Commerce. In the private sector, as a partner in the global law firm Mayer Brown LLP, he co-chaired the national security practice and was an advisor to senior executives.

A graduate of Brown University, Sullivan attended Columbia University School of Law, where he was a Harlan Fiske Stone Scholar and Book Reviews Editor of the Columbia Law Review. He served as a law clerk for Supreme Court Justice David H. Souter and Judge John Minor Wisdom. Sullivan is a member of the American Academy of Diplomacy and has received multiple accolades, including the Secretary of State's Distinguished Service Award, the Director of the Central Intelligence Agency's Ambassador of the Year Award, the Secretary of Defense’s Medal for Exceptional Public Service, and many others.

During his tenure as Ambassador to Russia from 2019 to 2022, Sullivan managed the U.S. Embassy in Moscow through a particularly challenging period, demonstrating exceptional leadership and crisis management skills. His profound experience and understanding of international relations are reflected in his memoir "Midnight in Moscow," which offers an insider view of U.S.-Russia relations and has been recognized for its significant contributions to the discourse on global affairs. Sullivan's insights enrich discussions on the global stage, including the role of the U.S. in humanitarian assistance, advancements in blockchain technology, and the dynamics of U.S.-Vietnam relations. His engagement in these areas underscores the breadth of his expertise in foreign policy and national security, making him a respected voice in international affairs.