CAROLEE WALKER

Carolee Belkin Walker brings over two decades of senior leadership in high-stakes international crisis management and strategic operations to board service and strategic advising.

She is currently an Advisory Board Member of HostageUS.

Most recently serving as Chief of Staff to "America's Top Hostage Negotiator" Amb. Roger Carstens, Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs (SPEHA), at the U.S. Department of State, she transformed U.S. hostage recovery operations and secured the release of 60 Americans across 13 countries through complex multinational negotiations.

Walker demonstrated exceptional operational leadership by scaling crisis response operations from $250,000 to over $14 million while directing elite cross-functional teams in sensitive diplomatic environments. Her strategic initiatives included pioneering protocols later adopted by international allies and revolutionizing public engagement strategies as part of White House directed operations.

Throughout her distinguished State Department career, Walker has excelled in stakeholder relationship management across international contexts, working directly with foreign governments, congressional leaders, and NGO partners. Her expertise in navigating complex regulatory environments, managing competing priorities under pressure, and fostering collaboration among stakeholders translates directly to corporate governance challenges.

Walker holds a Master of Liberal Arts from Johns Hopkins University and a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Vassar College. She maintains Top Secret/SCI clearance and is a published author on leadership and crisis management. Her unique combination of government relations expertise, international operations experience, and proven ability to deliver results in high-pressure environments provides valuable perspective for boards navigating today's complex global business landscape.

Walker resides in the Washington, D.C., area with her husband. For speaking contact AAE, or carolee@caroleewalker.com.