Benjamin Rhodes
Board of Directors
“In Laos, we have an opportunity to address the legacy of war while building a new future… In doing so, we have an opportunity to forge new friendships and partnerships in an important part of the world in ways that will enhance our security, opportunity, and commitment to human dignity.”
My Story
Benjamin Rhodes was the “Assistant to the President and Deputy National Security Advisor for Strategic Communications and Speechwriting” from 2009-2017 under President Obama.
During his tenure, Rhodes spearheaded initiatives to help President Obama engage with countries, like Laos, in hopes of fostering good relations, development, and human rights.
In 2011, Rhodes was included in Time Magazine’s “40 under 40” list of powerful and prominent young professionals. Before joining the former president’s administration, Rhodes worked on Obama’s speechwriting team during his campaign for the presidency. Days before leaving office, Obama appointed Rhodes as a member of the US Holocaust Memorial Council.
He resides in Washington, DC with his wife and two daughters. He received his BA in English and Political Science from Rice University and his MFA in creative writing from New York University.
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