FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
WASHINGTON, DC–Peter Van Praagh, founder and President of Halifax International Security Forum, today announced that Mrs. Cindy McCain and Major-General (Ret.) Tammy Harris had joined the Board of Directors as part of a wider expansion of both the Board and senior staff.
Mr. Jonathan Weisstub, Chairman of the Board of Directors, added that in Halifax International Security Forum’s 11thyear, the addition of the new board members marked a new and exciting chapter in the organization’s development:
“I am delighted to welcome two new distinguished leaders to the Board of Directors: Tammy Harris, and Cindy McCain,” Weisstub said.
“I am pleased and proud that they will be here to help advance our core mission to strengthen strategic cooperation among the world’s democracies,” he added.
Mrs. McCain said she was thrilled to be formalizing her relationship with an organization both she and her late husband, Senator John McCain, had enjoyed close ties with over many years:
“Halifax International Security Forum is dedicated to the idea that democracies must cooperate to advance global security, opportunity, and peace. Today, its work is more important than ever, and I am pleased to join as a Member of the Board, where I look forward to helping amplify and increase the impact of the John McCain Prize for Leadership in Public Service.”
The prize was established in 2018 and was awarded to the people of the Greek island of Lesbos in recognition of their work and sacrifice in welcoming refugees from the turmoil in the Middle East. It is delivered personally by Mrs. McCain at Halifax International Security Forum’s annual conference.
Mr. Weisstub also described new Board member Tammy Harris as “a trail-blazing champion for women in the military.” General Harris retired in 2018 as the first woman to be Deputy Commander of the Royal Canadian Air Force.
The organization has also expanded its senior staff with the addition of Mr. Robin Shepherd as Vice President, Ms. Laura Bridge as Managing Director, Mr. Randy Scheunemann as Strategic Counselor, and Mr. Dean Fealk as Global Chair of Strategy & Innovation.
The 2019 Forum takes place November 22-24 in Halifax, Nova Scotia.
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