WASHINGTON (April 30, 2026) — The George Washington University’s Graduate School of Political Management (GSPM) is pleased to announce that Diego Area, a distinguished leader in international policy, development, and cross-border investment initiatives, will join the school as a Visiting Scholar.
Area currently serves as President and Chief Executive Officer of Global Americans, where he leads the strategic repositioning of the organization as a leading nonpartisan think tank focused on U.S.–Latin America relations. In this role, he oversees a multi-country portfolio of policy initiatives and high-level convenings, bringing together senior leaders from government, business, and civil society to advance economic convergence and governance across the region.
Prior to his current role, Area held several leadership positions at the Atlantic Council’s Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center, where he played a key role in driving institutional growth, leading development and partnerships, and managing strategic initiatives across sectors. During his tenure, he led over 150 policy discussions with influential stakeholders and helped expand the organization’s reach and impact across the Americas.
Area’s earlier career includes work in academia and public service. As a Research Assistant at GSPM, he supported global advocacy programs and facilitated international engagement among leaders from Latin America and the United States. He also served as Director of Social Development in Sucre Municipality, Venezuela, where he led public safety and community development initiatives that significantly reduced crime rates.
In addition to his professional accomplishments, Area has extensive experience in political campaigns and strategic communications. He has advised on coalition building and digital engagement and successfully managed a parliamentary campaign in Venezuela.
As a Visiting Scholar, Area will contribute to academic programming, engage with students and faculty, and participate in discussions on global political management, economic development, and U.S.–Latin America relations.
Area holds a Master of Professional Studies in Political Management from the George Washington University and a bachelor’s degree in Political Science with a minor in International Relations from Universidad Central de Venezuela. He is also a recipient of the GWU Guardian of Democracy Award and a Penn Kemble Fellow of the National Endowment for Democracy.
To learn more about the Graduate School of Political Management, visit gspm.gwu.edu.
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