Connecting People & Ideas to Advance Mutual Interests in U.S.-Asia Relations

The Maureen and Mike Mansfield Foundation today announced that two longstanding members of the Foundation’s Board of Directors have assumed new leadership positions.  Charles D. Lake II, who has served on the Board since 2005 and was elected vice-chairman in 2008, is now president of the Foundation.  Michael Delaney, who has served as president since 2002, will continue to serve on the Board as a member of the Executive Committee and chair of the Investment Committee. Desaix Anderson, a Board member since 1994, has assumed the duties of vice-chairman.  The new officers will serve under the leadership of Foundation Chairman Walter F. Mondale.  Foundation Executive Director L. Gordon Flake will continue to be responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Foundation.

“We are very pleased that Charles Lake and Desaix Anderson have agreed to fill new leadership roles on the Mansfield Foundation’s Board of Directors,” said Chairman Walter F. Mondale.  “Their acumen and experience in Japan and Asia will serve the Foundation well as it nears its 30th year of working to strengthen U.S.-Asia cooperation and understanding.  We are also very grateful to Mike Delaney for his many contributions as president.  During his tenure the Foundation successfully restructured and expanded its Board, its activities, and its capacity to encourage and engage in new opportunities for U.S.-Asia cooperation.  Mike helped build a strong Board that is committed to the mission of the Mansfield Foundation and that will benefit from his guidance and from the vision of the new officers as we work to achieve Maureen and Mike Mansfield’s ideals and vision for U.S.-Asia relations.”

“It is an honor to be elected to serve as president of the Foundation, a role Mike Delaney filled with dedication and determination for nearly a decade,” said Charles Lake.  “As the United States looks to continue to play a leadership role in shaping the future of the Asia-Pacific region, the Mansfield Foundation’s mission to strengthen U.S-Asia relations is more critical than ever.  I look forward to continuing to work with Vice President Mondale, Mr. Anderson, and the other very talented and committed members of the Foundation’s Board and staff to provide structure and direction to the Board and the important activities of the Foundation in the years ahead.”

Mr. Lake is currently the chairman and representative in Japan of Aflac Japan.  Mr. Anderson served for thirty-five years as a foreign service officer in the U.S. Department of State, where he held key posts in several Asian countries, including serving as Deputy Chief of Mission in Tokyo.