The Dialogue mourns the loss of former New Mexico Governor and former Dialogue board member, Bill Richardson. Richardson passed away on September 1, 2023 at the age of 75 .

Richardson was an active member of the Inter-American Dialogue from 2001-2023, serving on the board of directors.

Throughout his distinguished career, he served as Energy Secretary and United Nations ambassador during the Clinton administration, where he initially began his political journey as an aide to Congressman Frank Bradford Morse. He later became a valued staff member for the US State Department and Senate Foreign Relations Committee in the 1970s.

Richardson was elected to the US House in 1983, representing New Mexico’s Third District. In 2002, he was elected as the Governor of New Mexico, serving two successful terms before leaving office in 2011.

Richardson was committed to global peace and engagement. In 2011, he established the Richardson Center for Global Engagement, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting international peace. Richardson and his namesake center worked tirelessly behind the scenes to assist families of hostages and detainees held abroad. He even personally engaged with Russian leadership in Moscow to advocate for the release of individuals like basketball star Brittney Griner, receiving a nomination for a Nobel Peace Prize in August, 2023. 

Bill Richardson’s legacy as a dedicated public servant and advocate for global peace will be remembered.