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Alumnus named State Department spokesman
June 11, 2009
Moments after taking on his new role as the U.S. State Department spokesman, Ian Kelly '77 began answering reporters' questions about issues ranging from American Roxana Saberi's release from an Iranian prison to violence in Sri Lanka.
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| Ian Kelly '77 |
"Ian has spent significant time overseas serving in various public affairs positions that have prepared him well for his new role," Clinton said in introducing Kelly. "He will be a full-fledged member of my senior team, and as such, he will speak authoritatively on my behalf and on behalf of the department."
Before returning to Washington, Kelly served as public affairs adviser at the U.S. Mission to NATO, and as the press attache at the American embassies in Italy and Turkey. As director of democratic initiatives to the Newly Independent States (NIS) at the State Department, he coordinated the activities of nearly a dozen federal agencies involved in democracy-building in the former Soviet Union. Prior to assuming that assignment, Kelly was a regional public affairs officer for the NIS, a job that took him to all 12 former Soviet republics.
His other assignments have taken him to Belgrade, Yugoslavia, and Leningrad and Moscow, U.S.S.R. Prior to joining the foreign service, Kelly taught Russian at Columbia University, where he earned his doctorate.
"I'm very much looking forward to working with [Clinton] and looking forward to representing her and my colleagues here at the State Department as the spokesman," Kelly told reporters at his first press conference, where he also thanked Clinton for the confidence she showed in him with the appointment.
With that, he told reporters, "let's have at it." Watch a video of Clinton introducing Kelly, read what he wrote about his first day as spokesman on the State Department's blog, and check out his responses to our questions below.
What was going through your mind as you stood in front of a room full of journalists for the first time in your new role as State Department spokesman?
I had the honor of having Secretary Clinton introduce me on my first day. My first thought was 'Holy cow! The Secretary of State is introducing me!'
What traits make a good spokesperson?
The ability to assimilate a lot of information, and the judgment to know what information can be revealed to the world, and what information is best kept private.
Shaping the State Department's message and making sure people around the globe understand U.S. foreign policy is no easy task. What is your greatest challenge in this new role?
See above -- balancing the public's right to know about their government's foreign policy, and the diplomatic imperative to keep some efforts out of the public eye in order to ensure those efforts succeed.
Can you tell us something that we maybe don't know about Secretary of State Clinton?
She's one of the most accessible people I know. I immediately felt at ease with her.
What has surprised you about your new position?
How much I like the journalists I deal with daily -- despite the tough questions they give me!
What would happen if you held a press conference ... and nobody asked any questions?
Inconceivable, I'm afraid.
What are the most interesting changes you've noticed in your two decades at the State Department?
The department is a very hierarchical, traditional organization. The advent of information technology -- especially email -- has really flattened the organization.
Do you have time to pursue any personal interests?
That same technology has made that tough! I'm always on the job. But I always make sure I get in several long bike rides on the weekend and watch a few ball games (I'm a Cubs fan).
What's the biggest public affairs challenge you've handled?
So far, North Korea's nuclear challenge. We're using all the tools of multilateral diplomacy, but the regime is very closed and isolated.
How did St. Olaf help prepare you for your career?
I had a fantastic experience at St. Olaf. I'm a big believer in a liberal arts education in a small college setting. And I loved Northfield!
What was your Paracollege major?
Russian language and literature, with Professor James Walker.
Who is your favorite Russian author? And do you have a favorite Russian composer?
Hands down, Leo Tolstoy. Favorite composer is a bit more difficult. Probably Sergei Prokofiev.
Anything else you'd like to add?
To students: enjoy your time to explore and indulge your intellectual curiosity. Consider the foreign service as a career -- serve your country and see the world!
