Welcome to Washington – Fall 2025

Deborah Lehr as featured on Meridian

Meridian International Center hosted its bi-annual Welcome to Washington reception on September 9, 2025, bringing together newly arrived Ambassadors, U.S. Members of Congress, and Meridian leadership to strengthen international relationships and promote cross-cultural engagement. The historic campus was abuzz with conversation, collaboration, and the shared spirit of global diplomacy. Deputy Secretary of State Chris Landau joined the gathering to personally welcome the newly arrived Ambassadors.

“This is a very special place,” the Ambassador Stuart Holliday, CEO of Meridian International Center, reflected, marking nearly 20 years at Meridian and noting that this would be their final year presiding over the reception. Deborah Lehr, a long-serving Meridian Trustee, was introduced as interim CEO, ensuring the organization continues on its path of excellence while the search for a new leader is underway.