The Foreign Service Journal, December 2021

AFSA NEWS 74 DECEMBER 2021 | THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL AFSA Welcomes New Staff Member AFSA is pleased to introduce Sean O’Gorman, the new policy analyst for Congres- sional Advocacy and Profes- sional Policy Issues. Sean was born and raised in Long Island, New York. He holds a master’s degree in international relations and a bachelor’s degree in government and politics, as well as one in French from St. John’s Uni- versity, with primary concen- trations in international law and economic development in Sub-Saharan Africa. During college, Sean also spent time at satellite campuses in Paris (2017) and Rome (2020). Recently, Sean interned with the office of Represen- tative William R. Keating (D-Mass.), where he compiled and analyzed legislative research focused on national security, veter- ans affairs and environmental conservation. Prior to that, he worked in gov- ernment relations with the Québec government office in New York. He also worked in policy development and community outreach as an intern with two different New York City transportation agencies. Sean speaks French and enjoys studying other lan- guages. He loves to play golf and to visit family in Ireland, where his parents grew up. n COURTESYOFSEANO’GORMAN Governing Board Holds Annual Retreat The AFSA Governing Board held its annual daylong retreat on Oct. 21, this year meeting at the DACOR Bacon House. Most board members and staff were able to join in person -and enjoyed a chance to connect after months of virtual interactions. During the gathering, participants reviewed the board’s strategic goals for the next two years, including congressional advocacy priorities, board guidelines and possible AFSA bylaw amendment proposals. Central to the discussion was adherence to AFSA’s mis- sion: to promote the long-term health of the U.S. Foreign Service and to safeguard the rights of its members. n