Matthew Bryza

Ambassador Matthew Bryza completed a 23-year career as a U.S. diplomat in 2012, culminating as ambassador to Azerbaijan.

Earlier, he served as deputy assistant secretary of state (2005-09) and director on the National Security Council Staff at the White House (2001-05) for Turkey, Cyprus, Greece, Central Asia, and the South Caucasus.

During 1998 to 2001, ambassador Bryza was the deputy special advisor to the president and secretary of state on Caspian Basin Energy Security.

Bryza also served in the U.S. Missions to Russia (1995-97) and Poland (1989-91).

Currently, ambassador Bryza serves on the Boards of energy, engineering, and telecommunications companies operating from the Greater Caspian Region to California.

Simultaneously, Bryza is managing director for the Greater Caspian Region, Turkey, Europe, and the Middle East of Straife, a US corporate strategy firm.

He is also a Board member of the Jamestown Foundation, a think tank headquartered in Washington, DC. He was Director of the International Center for Defense and Security in Tallinn, Estonia, during 2012-15, where he founded the Center’s energy security and cyber security programs.

He is a frequent commentator in media outlets including CNN International, Al Jazeera, The BBC, TRT World, and numerous outlets in the South Caucasus.

Bryza is the recipient of Estonia’s Cross of Terra Mariana and Georgia’s Order of St. George.

He received his bachelor’s degree in international relations from Stanford University and his master’s degree from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy.