Whitney Baird

Whitney Baird is a diplomat and international business leader who serves as president and CEO of the United States Council for International Business (USCIB), a prominent organization representing American business in global economic policy. Baird brings to her role extensive government experience and a comprehensive understanding of the global economy's key challenges, particularly in international trade, economic policy, and business advocacy.

Prior to joining USCIB, Baird served as principal deputy assistant secretary for the Bureau of Economic and Business Affairs at the U.S. Department of State, where she led efforts to promote American economic interests abroad in collaboration with U.S. businesses, foreign governments, and international organizations. Baird also led the U.S. Mission to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development as chargé d'affaires, representing American interests in economic policy, trade, and development. Her diplomatic portfolio includes appointments as minister counselor for economic affairs at U.S. Embassy London, director of multilateral trade, director of European Union affairs, deputy assistant secretary of state for West Africa and security affairs, and acting deputy assistant secretary for Western Europe and European Union and regional affairs.

Before her London posting, Baird served in the Economic Bureau of the Department of State as special advisor for trade negotiations, director for multilateral trade affairs, acting deputy assistant secretary for trade, and acting special representative for commercial and business affairs. She also held assignments at U.S. embassies in Madrid, Dakar, Lome, and Yaoundé, and has received the Secretary's Career Achievement Award and multiple Superior Honor Awards for her service.

As USCIB's chief executive, Baird is recognized for her engagement with multilateral institutions and world leaders on behalf of American business. She has participated in panels such as "Trusted Partners, Shared Future: US-Japan Innovation Leadership" at the Daikin Future Forum in Washington, D.C., and has addressed audiences on private sector engagement with multilateral institutions, including the panel "Inside the System: How Multilateral Bodies Structure Dialogue with Business." Baird has also spoken at the Milken Institute Global Conference and the OECD Ministerial Council Meeting, and has participated in the U.S. Department of State's National Action Plan on Responsible Business Conduct launch, reflecting her commitment to advancing corporate responsibility, trade, and competitiveness.

Baird holds a master's degree in international security studies from the National Defense University and a bachelor's degree in political science from the University of North Carolina. Her academic background and diplomatic experience position her as an authoritative voice on global trade, economic policy, and the evolving role of American business in the international arena.