The Maureen and Mike Mansfield Foundation today announced that former U.S. Ambassador to Japan John V. Roos has joined the Foundation’s Board of Directors. Ambassador Roos is the latest in a long line of former U.S. ambassadors to Japan to serve on the Foundation’s Board, including Walter F. Mondale, Thomas Foley, Howard Baker, and Thomas Schieffer.
“Ambassador Roos brings to the Board insights and knowledge gained while serving as U.S. ambassador to Japan, leading U.S. efforts to support Japan in a time of tragedy and managing the U.S.-Japan relationship in times of transition,” said Board Chairperson Desaix Anderson. “The Foundation will benefit tremendously from his experience and his commitment to addressing the challenges and opportunities facing U.S. relations with Japan and Asia.”
Amb. Roos served as U.S. ambassador to Japan from 2009-2013, a period that spanned both the Great East Japan Earthquake and significant transitions in the Japanese government. The State Department recognized his “tireless and effective” leadership during and after the March 2011 earthquake, tsunami and nuclear crisis by awarding him the prestigious Sue M. Cobb Award for Exemplary Diplomatic Service. Amb. Roos and his wife Susan Roos followed up on U.S. relief efforts in Japan by leading the creation of the TOMODACHI Initiative, a public-private partnership that invests in the next generation of Japanese and American leaders through educational and cultural exchanges and leadership programs.
Ambassador Roos is a founding partner of Geodesic Capital, an independent growth stage venture capital firm, and a Senior Advisor at Centerview Partners, a preeminent mergers and acquisitions advisory firm. He previously served as chief executive officer and senior partner at the law firm of Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati, where he helped lead the firm’s representation of technology, life sciences and emerging growth companies. He is a graduate of Stanford University and Stanford Law School.
The Maureen and Mike Mansfield Foundation is a 501(c)3 organization that promotes understanding and cooperation in U.S.-Asia relations. It was established in 1983 to honor Mike Mansfield (1903-2001), a revered public servant, statesman and diplomat who played a pivotal role in many of the key domestic and international issues of the 20th century as U.S. congressman from Montana, Senate majority leader and finally as U.S. ambassador to Japan. Maureen and Mike Mansfield’s values, ideals and vision for U.S.-Asia relations continue through the Foundation’s exchanges, dialogues, research and educational programs, which create networks among U.S. and Asian leaders, explore the underlying issues influencing public policies, and increase awareness about the nations and peoples of Asia. The Foundation has offices in Washington, D.C.; Tokyo, Japan; and Missoula, Montana.