FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
July 23, 2026 
Contact: Gemma Givens 
press@thedialogue.org 

As the Americas navigate a period of profound economic and geopolitical change, the Inter-American Dialogue welcomes new Board leadership to help advance its mission of promoting democratic resilience, shared prosperity, social inclusion, and sustainable development across the hemisphere.  

Washington, DC — The Inter-American Dialogue’s Board of Directors announced today that it has unanimously elected Alfonso Prat-Gay and Kellie Meiman Hock as its new co-chairs, and Juan Carlos Pinzón as co–vice chair, joining Ambassador Donna Hrinak, who continues to serve as co-vice chair. 

“Alfonso, Kellie, and Juan Carlos strengthen the Dialogue’s credibility and reach, bringing expertise that spans economic policy, trade, and security, as well as a shared commitment to democratic values. Their networks keep the Dialogue centrally placed to build understanding and cooperation across a hemisphere increasingly divided by political fragmentation,” said Inter-American Dialogue president & CEO, Dr. Rebecca Bill Chavez. “I am deeply grateful to Laura, Tom, and Enrique for their years of extraordinary leadership, and I look forward to working with our new Board leaders as we enter this next chapter.”

Alfonso Prat-Gay is one of the region’s most accomplished economic policymakers and private sector leaders. He led the Central Bank of Argentina through one of its sharpest turnarounds, cutting inflation from 40 percent to 4 percent, and later served as the country’s minister of treasury and finance, where he lifted capital controls and ended a decade of sovereign default. During his term in Congress representing the city of Buenos Aires, he spearheaded legislation focused on the prevention of money laundering and drug trafficking. Currently, he sits on several international boards and he is vice chairman of Prestige Auto, owner of the Mercedes-Benz factory and operation in Argentina.  

“I take on this new role both with gratitude and responsibility, fully aware of the increasingly challenging need to deliver a sound dialogue across the Americas. For more than four decades, the Dialogue has shown that our Hemisphere thinks better when we think together, beyond physical, legal, and ideological borders. My commitment is to secure the institution’s independence and expand its impact and voice throughout our region,” said Prat-Gay. 

“Alfonso’s appointment as co-chair continues the Dialogue’s longstanding tradition of selecting one of its co-chairs from the Latin America and Caribbean region. The decision could not have been more fitting or timely. I can think of no one better to succeed me as co-chair, and I am delighted that he will help lead the Dialogue in this important new chapter,” said President Laura Chinchilla. “At a time when the region faces major economic and financial challenges, Alfonso brings deep expertise on these issues, as well as the invaluable perspective of a senior policymaker and strong ties to the private sector.” 

Kellie Meiman Hock has spent more than three decades at the center of U.S.–Latin America trade and investment policy. After a successful career as a U.S. Foreign Service officer, serving throughout Latin America as well as in the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, she spent over two decades helping to build McLarty Associates into a leading global consulting firm, founding the firm’s trade and Brazil/Southern Cone practices before serving as managing partner. She is now senior counselor to McLarty and an adjunct professor at Georgetown University, with courses on trade policy at McGill University and University of Nebraska.  

“At a time of increasing political polarization, our mission and ability to leverage the Dialogue’s historic track record of impact and hemispheric network have never been more relevant. I am honored to be able to play a part in the Dialogue’s next chapter at this critical moment,” said Meiman Hock. 

“Kellie Meiman Hock is the right person at the right time to take over the U.S. co-chair of the Board of the Inter-American Dialogue,” said Ambassador Thomas A. Shannon Jr. “She brings deep experience in the Americas, honed over years working with businesses and entrepreneurs on trade and investment issues. Her strong private sector background is enhanced by her years as a diplomat working on relations between governments. This unique blend of private and public sector experience will help ensure that the Dialogue remains the premier forum for hemispheric issues in Washington and the Americas.” 

Juan Carlos Pinzón is a distinguished diplomat and policymaker whose career spans government, the financial sector, and academia, with extensive experience in security, economic policy, and international affairs. He served as Colombia’s minister of defense and twice as Colombia’s ambassador to the United States, strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries and advancing cooperation on shared priorities. He has also held other senior positions in the ministry of finance and served as vice president of the Colombian Banking Association as well as president and CEO of ProBogotá. 

“The ongoing geopolitical times and the technology revolution present a substantial opportunity to leverage the region’s human capital and natural resource endowments to advance the prosperity of the Americas. Throughout its history, the Dialogue has played a crucial role in building democracy and freedom in the hemisphere. Today, it serves as the ideal platform to deepen the discussion of our shared values, address challenges in security and stability, foster regional innovation, and strengthen partnerships. We must ensure that the Inter-American Dialogue continues to promote institutions and policies that benefit all our communities,” said Pinzón.  

“After serving as co-vice chair of the Inter-American Dialogue Board for several years, I am very pleased that Juan Carlos Pinzón has accepted to succeed me in that important position, said Enrique García. “In the present hemispheric geopolitical and economic environment, with the growing threat posed by organized crime, his robust professional and diplomatic experience will be a strong pillar for the future of the institution.” 

Prat-Gay and Meiman Hock succeed President Laura Chinchilla and Ambassador Thomas A. Shannon Jr., whose leadership helped strengthen the Dialogue as a leading forum for policy analysis and exchange across the Americas. Juan Carlos Pinzón succeeds Enrique García as co–vice chair, following García’s distinguished service in the role. Chinchilla, Shannon, and García will continue to serve on the Board of Directors, where their leadership, expertise, and longstanding commitment to the Dialogue’s mission will continue to strengthen the organization’s work.  

About the Inter-American Dialogue  

Founded in 1982, the Inter-American Dialogue is the premier center for policy analysis, exchange, and communication on issues affecting the Western Hemisphere. Headquartered in Washington, DC, with a network of experts and fellows across the Americas, the Dialogue convenes global leaders, policymakers, business executives, academics, and civil society to advance democratic resilience, shared prosperity, social inclusion, and sustainable development throughout the region.  

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