WASHINGTON – The Stimson Center announced today the appointment of Victoria Holt and Rachel Stohl as Vice Presidents and members of the President’s senior leadership team. Both Holt and Stohl previously served as Managing Directors. In their new roles, Stohl and Holt will help manage Stimson’s growth, define the future direction of the Center, and enhance outreach and engagement. These changes come as Stimson celebrates significant staff, budget, and programmatic growth. In 2020, Stimson’s staff and budget will be triple what they were in 2016.

“I am excited to have these exceptional members of the team take on a more prominent role at the Stimson Center. With their deep expertise and incomparable reputations, both Holt and Stohl are strong leaders who will be central to our continued expansion as Stimson enters its fourth decade,” said President and CEO Brian Finlay.

Rachel Stohl, who came to Stimson in 2011, also leads Stimson’s Conventional Defense program. Her substantive areas of expertise include the international arms trade, including drones, small arms and light weapons, and children in armed conflict. Stohl has spent more than 20 years in Washington working with a variety of non-governmental organizations, and served as a consultant to the United Nations.

Vice President Rachel Stohl said, “Stimson has a 30-year track record of turning big ideas into practical solutions to some of the world’s most intractable problems. I’m delighted to play a role in charting the future direction of the Center, and expanding our efforts make the world a safer more prosperous place.”

Victoria Holt leads the Transforming Conflict and Governance program. Her expertise includes international security, U.S. policymaking, peace operations and conflict prevention, the United Nations and Security Council, and the protection of civilians. From 2009 to 2017, Holt served as U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for International Security and has more than 30 years of experience in Washington working in the Executive Branch, Congress, and non-governmental groups. Holt previously led the Future of Peace Operations program at Stimson from 2001 to 2009.

Vice President Victoria K. Holt said, “At a time of national and international upheaval, think tanks can play an essential role in addressing real-world problems with creative ideas and in-depth engagement. I am thrilled to join the leadership team, support Stimson’s independent voice, and strengthen policymaking at this time of change.”

The Stimson Center promotes international security, shared prosperity, and justice through applied research and independent analysis, deep engagement, and policy innovation. More at www.Stimson.org

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