President Crow Joins U.S. Global Leadership Coalition’s Board of Directors

Phoenix, AZ — Today top business and community leaders joined Senator John McCain, ASU President Michael Crow, and U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Associate Administrator Mark Feierstein, for a roundtable discussion on how America’s efforts abroad are directly linked to Arizona’s security and economic prosperity.

Participants in the discussion highlighted U.S. foreign assistance as a powerful tool used to protect America’s national security by combating terror threats, promoting global stability, and preventing conflict before it occurs.

“America is facing a number of serious challenges around the globe, and we must use all the elements of our nation’s power to address them,” said Senator John McCain. “In addition to a strong military, investments in diplomacy, development, and democracy promotion – including foreign assistance – are vitally important. These non-military tools are not charity, but a strategic necessity.”

Arizona leaders stressed that the U.S. should be more engaged, not less, as America’s efforts abroad drive innovation as well as economic growth for the state. Last year, Arizona exported more than $19 billion in goods and services to foreign markets, making U.S. international engagement a strategic issue for the community.

“We frequently see the great value of U.S. global engagement, and we know that it doesn’t happen without a clear strategy and commitment from the U.S. government to promote it,” said Shelly Esque, Chair of the Intel Foundation and an Arizona State graduate. “It expands American access to new markets, where we can sell more of our goods and services, and to a larger pool of great minds, which can bring about important scientific and technological breakthroughs.”

“Federal international development and diplomacy programs not only allow us to live up to our core national humanitarian impulses to help other nations overcome adversity and realize their full potential,” said President of ASU, Michael Crow. “They also make America – and even Arizona specifically – stronger through enhanced trade opportunities, increased global security and greater intellectual capacity to drive innovation. What’s more, these programs build relationships that enhance U.S. standing across the globe.”

“We applaud Senator McCain, President Crow, Associate Administrator Feierstein, and Shelly Esque for their outstanding leadership. Their firsthand experience with all the ways investments in development and diplomacy benefit Arizona and our nation are extremely compelling,” said President & CEO Liz Schrayer. “They’re tremendous advocates for what an impact such a tiny fraction of the budget can have on our economy and security.”  “We are so pleased to have President Crow join USGLC’s board of directors. His expertise and leadership is nationally known and will be a tremendous asset for our work.”

Leaders from prominent Arizona business and non-profit organizations also delivered remarks at the event, including Glenn Hamer, President & CEO of Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and Marty Martin, CEO of Food for the Hungry. The event also featured a Global Innovators Showcase highlighting 25 local Arizona businesses and organizations delivering game-changing solutions across the globe.

The U.S. Global Leadership Coalition (www.usglc.org) is a broad-based influential network of 400 businesses and NGOs; national security and foreign policy experts; and business, faith-based, academic and community leaders in all 50 states who support a smart power approach of elevating development and diplomacy alongside defense in order to build a better, safer world.

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