\nDistinguished diplomat and experienced global leader to guide Japan Society\u2019s next chapter of cultural, business and policy engagement<\/i><\/p>
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Japan Society today announced that Katherine \u201cKemy\u201d Monahan has been elected by its Board of Directors as the organization\u2019s next President and Chief Executive Officer. She will assume the role in August.<\/p>
\nMonahan brings more than three decades of senior diplomatic and institutional leadership experience across the U.S.\u2013Japan relationship and the broader Asia Pacific region. Most recently, she served as Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo. Her prior roles include Director for East Asia at the White House National Security Council and Director of the Office of Japanese Affairs at the U.S. Department of State. She also served as an Adjunct Lecturer, Visiting Scholar and Japan Program Fellow at Stanford University, continuing her longstanding engagement with Japan\u2019s culture and global role.<\/p>
\nHer appointment follows a comprehensive search led by the Board of Directors. In selecting Monahan, the Board sought a leader with strategic vision, operational discipline and experience guiding complex organizations, as well as a deep understanding of Japan\u2019s critical importance amid shifting geopolitical and economic dynamics.<\/p>
\n\u201cKemy is an exceptional leader whose experience, judgment and lifelong commitment to Japan make her uniquely suited to lead Japan Society,\u201d said Merit E. Janow, Chair of the Board of Directors. \u201cShe has led large and diverse teams, built enduring trust across institutions and advanced meaningful engagement among government, business and civil society. At a time when Japan\u2019s role in economic resilience, democratic values, technological innovation and cultural vitality is more central than ever, Kemy brings the global perspective and intellectual rigor required to strengthen Japan Society\u2019s position as the premier platform for engagement with Japan in a global context.\u201d<\/p>
\nMonahan succeeds Joshua W. Walker, Ph.D., Japan Society\u2019s outgoing President and CEO. The Board extends its deepest gratitude to Walker for his leadership and dedication, and for his work to expand the Society\u2019s reach, strengthen its visibility and impact, and champion the importance of the U.S.-Japan relationship. He will remain a valued member of the Japan Society community.<\/p>
\nAs President and CEO, Monahan will oversee Japan Society\u2019s work across the performing arts, visual arts, film, business and policy programs and convenings, education and language. Founded in 1907, Japan Society connects American and Japanese people, cultures and societies through a global lens, serving as a vital forum for exchange in New York and around the world.<\/p>
\n\u201cI am honored to join Japan Society and grateful to the Board for its confidence,\u201d said Monahan. \u201cJapan has been a defining part of my life and career. For more than a century, Japan Society has brought together leaders, artists, thinkers and communities, championed artistic excellence and fostered meaningful connections across borders. At a moment of profound geopolitical and economic change, its mission is more important than ever. I look forward to working with the Board, staff, members and partners to build on this extraordinary legacy and expand the Society\u2019s impact for the next generation.\u201d<\/p>
\nMonahan\u2019s leadership builds on Japan Society\u2019s historic role while positioning the institution to expand its global influence at a pivotal time in global affairs.<\/p>
\nAbout Japan Society<\/b><\/p>
\nJapan Society is the premier organization connecting Japanese arts, culture, language, business, and society with audiences in New York and the world.<\/p>