Diane Zeleny

Diane Zeleny, RFE/RL’s DC-based Head of External Affairs, is a national security and strategic communications leader with 20+ years executive experience developing and implementing successful communications, messaging, and information strategies for USG national security agencies, think tanks and non-profits. She has substantive knowledge and a deep understanding of key global geopolitical challenges as well as an intimate understanding of RFE/RL’s target region. More recently, Diane served as vice president for external affairs and global engagement at IRI and USIP. Previously she was strategic communications advisor to the Atlantic Council, and the McCain Institute for International Leadership. Her rich career trajectory also included 18 + years working with the U.S. government, where she served at the SES level as director of communications and external relations at the Broadcasting Board of Governors, director of the US Department of State’s Global Media Hub in Brussels, and director of communications to the Undersecretary for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs at the U.S. Department of State. She has lived and worked in Turkey, Belgium, France, Germany and the Czech Republic.