Newswise — Secure World Foundation announced today that Dr. Michael Simpson will assume the position of Executive Director of the Foundation, effective January 1, 2012.
Simpson’s new leadership role at Secure World Foundation (SWF) assumes the duties of Dr. Ray Williamson who will continue working with SWF as Senior Advisor.
This management change completes a transition plan begun early in 2011 and will permit Williamson to focus added attention to a number of Foundation initiatives including the Space Security Index and cooperative efforts in Latin American and Chinese space policy.
Since June 2007, SWF has flourished under Williamson’s strong leadership. In some 5 years of his Executive Director guidance, among a range of initiatives, Williamson has expanded the Foundation’s staff and geographical reach, first by establishing an office in Washington D.C. in 2008, and then again in Brussels, Belgium in 2010.
“I am very pleased to be able to hand off the Executive Director role to such capable hands. In the last several months, I have worked directly with Michael Simpson and have gained a deep appreciation of his intellect, his managerial abilities and his humanity. The Foundation is in very good hands.”
Cooperative solutions for space sustainability
Thanks to Williamson’s vision and wisdom in attracting and retaining top talent within SWF, the organization has become recognized for its high-level information and sponsored events regarding space sustainability, human and environmental security, space law and policy and planetary defense. Williamson’s fervor and dedication to the primary mission of SWF—to promote cooperative solutions for space sustainability— has never wavered, noted SWF’s Founder and President, Cynda Collins Arsenault.
It is this passion and dedication that has helped SWF to gain Permanent Observer status in the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS) and Consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council. Williamson has also spearheaded SWF’s sponsorship of over 50 key events in fifteen countries across six continents.
Over the next year, Williamson will work closely with Simpson to assure a seamless leadership transition.
Simpson’s new role with SWF was underscored by Collins Arsenault.
“We are very pleased to have the international perspective and connections that Dr. Simpson brings to the Foundation,” she said. “Creating the secure and sustainable use of outer space requires a broad-based approach and Michael Simpson’s past work at the International Space University has provided him with a unique interdisciplinary, international and intercultural view of the issues we face,” she said.
Simpson shares the enthusiasm of Collins Arsenault and Williamson.
“In 5 years, Secure World Foundation has established itself as a key resource for many decision makers in the space sector. Going forward our task is to build on that reputation, enhance it, and extend its geographical reach. I am very pleased that we will still have the benefit of Ray Williamson’s counsel and involvement going forward.”
Background: Dr. Michael Simpson
An internationalist by education and inclination, Simpson’s academic career extends over 36 years and two continents. He has been president of Utica College, the American University of Paris, and the International Space University with a combined total of over 22 years of experience as an academic chief executive officer.
Simpson has taught courses in political science, international relations, business management, leadership and economics at Universities in both the United States and France. He received his Bachelor’s Degree magna cum laude from Fordham University in 1970 where he was elected to Phi Beta Kappa. He has also been elected to academic honor societies in the fields of political science and business management.
After graduating from Fordham University, Simpson accepted a commission as an officer in the U.S. Navy, retiring from the Naval Reserve in 1993. He completed his Ph.D. in 1976 at Tufts University, The Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy; holds the Master of Business Administration from Syracuse University; and two Master of Arts degrees from The Fletcher School. He has also completed two prestigious 1-year courses in Europe: the French advanced defense institute (Institut des Hautes Études de Défense Nationale) and the General Course of the London School of Economics.
Contact:
Jenna MartinMarketing & Communications ManagerSecure World Foundation 525 Zang Street, Suite DBroomfield, CO 80021 USA
Phone: +1 303.554.1560Fax: +1 303.554.1562Email: [email protected]
About Secure World Foundation
Secure World Foundation (SWF) is a private operating foundation dedicated to the secure and sustainable use of space for the benefit of Earth and all its peoples.
SWF engages with academics, policy makers, scientists and advocates in the space and international affairs communities to support steps that strengthen global space sustainability. It promotes the development of cooperative and effective use of space for the protection of Earth’s environment and human security.
The Foundation acts as a research body, convener and facilitator to advocate for promoting key space security and other space related topics and to examine their influence on governance and international development.
Secure World Foundation is headquartered in Broomfield, Colorado, with offices in Washington, D.C. and Brussels, Belgium.
For access to the SWF website, please go to:
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