Tom Shannon spent over 30 years in the foreign service, most recently as under secretary of state for political affairs in the US Department of State from 2016-2018. He previously served as counselor and senior advisor to the secretary following a four-year term as US ambassador to Brazil. Shannon served as assistant secretary of state for Western Hemisphere affairs from 2005-2009 and as special assistant to the president and senior director for Western Hemisphere affairs at the National Security Council from 2003 to 2005, among other senior roles across the region. He is now a senior international policy advisor for Arnold & Porter.

Shannon joined the Dialogue as a Member in 2018. He currently serves as Co-Chair of the Dialogue’s Board of Directors.