Ann Stanford

It is said by many that Dr. Stanford is in a class almost by herself.  She is a consummate leader, former diplomat, manager, professor and author.  Her contributions to the public sector have amassed a long list of distinguished “first” accomplishments. Her spheres of influence cover six US states, District of Columbia, and three continents—Africa, Europe and the Far East.

As a former diplomat, she served in Africa with responsibility for the US Embassy operations.  In France, she was head of the US mission, the American Consulate General, with responsibility for accomplishing US interests in Central France. Ever conscious of her self-assigned responsibility to contribute to the community more than her official diplomatic work requirements, her impact was felt throughout Nairobi, Kenya, and Lyon, France.

In Africa, Stanford enjoyed working with women in business to help them improve their entrepreneurial acumen and leadership, and groups in academia, public diplomacy and social organizations.  She received several commendations for her leadership there. 

In France, Dr. Stanford made a contribution to every segment of her assigned district.  She is officially recognized for having won a lot of friends for the United States. In her 44,000 square mile political district, she could be found almost daily at some function frequently delivering a keynote speech (in French); or at educational institutions introducing students to America.

In the US Department of State in Washington, DC, among Dr. Stanford’s several areas of responsibility during a five-year period, she was head of the International Women’s Programs and worked in the Undersecretary for Management’s Office. This office is responsible for the worldwide operations of the Department.  Stanford was lead Management Analyst for nearly all of the Department’s management functions.

Leadership in executive-level management in Seattle, WA covered a wide array of activities in the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).  She performed: deputy director responsibilities in the Office of Human Development Services (OHDS), planning officer, management and oversight responsibilities for the six agencies constituting OHDS and the programs operated by these agencies. She created the Regional Office’s Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Program and the Federal Women’s Program (FWP).

In academia, Dr Stanford served as a Woodrow Wilson National Fellowship Foundation Visiting Fellow for several years.  She visited independent colleges and universities to conduct programs in public policy and international relations. At Regent University in Virginia Beach, VA, as a Professional-in Residence, she performed the function of national and international affairs professor, and served a short time as the Director of the Master’s in Public Policy Program. She also established the Institute for International Public Policy in Fairfax, VA, which is a program to prepare for international service underrepresented groups in US Foreign Affairs Agencies.

Dr. Stanford mentors, coaches, counsels and trains aspirants to careers in public service, including nonprofit organizations, and international service.

As a speaker and trainer one immediately connects with Dr. Stanford’s genuine interest in people, her superb interpersonal skills and her command of her subjects.  Her speeches and training materials are frequently laced with anecdotes about her exciting learning experiences acquired from her world travels. (See CV for other strengths and accomplishments.)