President Joel Fischman

Joel Anthony Fischman retired from the U.S. Department of State in 2012 after a 49-year career (both FS and GS) with the State Department and the U.S. Information Agency. As his final assignment, he headed, for several years, the Office of Policy and Outreach, a senior staff position in the Department’s Bureau of International Information Programs. During his career he received three Superior and three Meritorious Honor Awards.

In retirement, Joel was President of the Public Diplomacy Association of America (PDAA) from 2019-2022 and chaired the Joint Oversight Group that managed the merger of PDAA and the Public Diplomacy Council. 

He also served as President of Anne Frank House DC (2020-22), a nonprofit dedicated to providing housing for residents who would otherwise be on the streets. He is a member of the nonprofit Friendship Place (FP) Board and was Chair of its Congregations Committee (2016-2021). Joel was also a board member of Adas Israel Congregation for 14 years and Chair of the congregation’s Social Action Council (2006-2016). Contact: President@PublicDiplomacy.org.