AFSA NEWS 50 JUNE 2024 | THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL FSJ Welcomes New Associate Editor Training for Op-Ed Writing AFSA is thrilled to welcome Mark Parkhomenko to the Journal team as our new associate editor. Mark arrives with a wealth of experience from the Association of Corporate Counsel, where he refined his skills in writing, editing, and reporting as an editor for their flagship publication, The Docket. He also managed the ACC “Top 10 30-Somethings” program, an annual awards ceremony celebrating the accomplishments of young inhouse counsel professionals globally. Originally from Ukraine, Mark moved to the U.S. at age 6, beginning a life of academic and cultural exploration that took him from New England to the University of Toronto, where he earned a B.A. in history, political science, and anthropology. While at the University of Toronto, he worked as a research assistant at an archaeology lab and wrote for his school’s music magazine. Now back in the DMV, Mark is an avid cyclist and photographer, always chasing the perfect golden hour shot. Reach Mark at parkhomenko@afsa.org. n On April 4, AFSA invited a group of Foreign Service retirees across the U.S. to join a virtual session on how to write and submit op-eds for publication in local and national newspapers. The seminar—part of AFSA’s yearlong centennial outreach campaign—was led by Director of Communications and Outreach Nikki Gamer, who has years of experience writing op-eds for corporate and nonprofit communicators. The goal of the seminar was to offer tips to our members who want to share their Foreign Service stories with hometown papers, helping their communities understand the nonpartisan nature of the Foreign Service and the return on investment that it offers the American public. Gamer talked about developing a “hook” for a story, as well as a framework and talking points that would make for a compelling op-ed. She explained what editors look for in a story, such as a meaningful connection to the news cycle and links to credible data sources, and offered resources for finding editors’ contact information online. We look forward to seeing articles by our participants in newspapers across the nation in the coming months. n Mark Parkhomenko AFSA Webinar The View from Washington On March 21, AFSA President Tom Yazdgerdi hosted “The View from Washington,” a periodic webinar that gives retirees the opportunity to hear directly from AFSA about current advocacy work on Capitol Hill and with leadership at the various Foreign Service agencies. Yazdgerdi outlined the current dynamics around the international affairs budget and gave an update on fiscal year 2024 funding. He offered an overview of top policy areas being discussed with agency leadership, the status of nominations and confirmations, and other topics of interest to our retired members. Of course, Yazdgerdi also shared AFSA’s plans to commemorate the Foreign Service Centennial and plans for Foreign Service Day. A recording of the webinar is available to members only at afsa.org/video. n AFSA Governing Board Meetings, March and April 2024 The Governing Board met on March 20 and April 24, 2024. At the April meeting, these action items were decided upon: Awards Committee: The board approved the committee’s recommendation for the 2024 Lifetime Contributions to American Diplomacy Award. The board agreed on several changes to award nominations eligibility language to be announced and implemented ahead of the 2025 nominations cycle. Committee on Elections Membership: The board authorized the appointment of new and returning members to the AFSA Committee on Elections. New Board Member: The board authorized the appointment of Kimberly McClure to serve as a new AFSA State Representative, following the resignation of David Josar. Updates to Advocacy List: The board authorized updated language to AFSA’s advocacy list for the 118th Congress, second session. n
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