AFSA NEWS 72 NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2026 | THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL Mark Matthews Joins FSJ Editorial Board The Foreign Service Journal is pleased to welcome Mark C. Matthews to its Editorial Board. Matthews brings more than 20 years of experience in U.S. foreign policy and foreign affairs, most with the State Department. He currently serves as unit chief for the UK and Ireland desks in the Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs’ Office of Northern European, Baltic, and Arctic Security Affairs, where he leads a five-person team covering the diplomatic, economic, and military dimensions of those relationships and supports the special envoy for Northern Ireland economic affairs. His Foreign Service career has spanned assignments across the globe and within the department, including as foreign policy adviser to the Joint Staff’s J5 Deputy Directorate for the Middle East and Africa at the Pentagon; political- military affairs officer at Embassy Amman, where he led post’s COVID-19 response; chief of staff at Embassy Islamabad; watch officer in the department’s Operations Center; senior general services officer at Embassy Hanoi; and consular officer at Embassy San Salvador. He also served as a line officer in the Executive Secretariat, supporting the Secretary of State’s overseas travel. Before joining the Foreign Service, Matthews served as a Peace Corps volunteer and volunteer leader in Kingston, Jamaica, and later returned to the Peace Corps’ Washington, D.C., headquarters in several staff roles, including Caribbean country desk officer and agency FOIA officer. Matthews holds an MA in strategic studies from the U.S. Army War College and an MBA from Marquette University, and speaks German, Spanish, and Arabic. He is based in Washington, D.C. In his candidacy letter, Matthews described a “profound and enduring interest” in U.S. foreign policy and said he looks forward to contributing to the Journal’s mission of fostering dialogue within the Foreign Service community. n Strong Fiscal Stewardship in FY 2025 AFSA has completed its fiscal year 2025 financial review, once again demonstrating the organization’s strong financial management and commitment to responsible stewardship of member resources. For the first time in 17 years, AFSA elected to undergo a financial review rather than a full independent audit. The decision was made after careful consideration as a practical way to reduce costs and administrative burden while still obtaining an independent assessment of the association’s financial statements. This approach reflects AFSA’s confidence in its long-established financial controls and its commitment to using member dues efficiently. AFSA partnered with its accounting firm, Gross Mendel- sohn, to conduct the review. During the review process, the firm’s professionals examined AFSA’s financial records and accounting practices and performed procedures designed to identify any material issues that would require further attention. The review found no concerns regarding AFSA’s finances, internal financial reporting, or accounting practices. The positive outcome continues a long-standing record of sound fiscal management. For nearly two decades, AFSA has maintained rigorous accounting standards, transparent financial practices, and effective oversight of its operations. The FY25 review provides additional assurance that the association remains on solid financial footing and is well positioned to continue serving the interests of Foreign Service professionals around the world. The decision to move from a full audit to a review for FY25 was a strategic choice intended to save both time and money while still preserving independent verification of the organization’s financial statements. The successful completion of the review confirms that AFSA’s financial systems and controls continue to function effectively. Executive Director Ásgeir Sigfússon welcomed the results, noting that they reflect the dedication and professionalism of AFSA’s staff and leadership: “The fiscal year review confirms what our members expect and deserve: prudent financial management, strong internal controls, and complete accountability for the resources entrusted to AFSA. “We are pleased that Gross Mendelsohn found no issues with our finances, and we remain committed to maintaining the highest standards of transparency and fiscal responsibility while ensuring that member dues are used wisely and effectively.” The final FY25 financial review has been posted on AFSA’s website at https://afsa.org/sites/default/files/2025statement. pdf and is available for members who wish to learn more about the association’s financial position and operations. n —Ásgeir Sigfússon, AFSA executive director
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