Robert Smolik

The Gerald Ford School of Public Policy
University of Michigan
Contact: lklee[at]umich.edu

Robert Smolik is the Diplomat in Residence and Visiting Scholar at the Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. A seasoned veteran of the State Department, Smolik will be at the Ford School for the entire academic year. Smolik said that his objective while at U-M is "To bring to this great University an international perspective based on my twenty-five years of practical diplomacy in Europe and North America." He added that his job provides him with the opportunity "to explain U.S. foreign policy and to attract terrific students to international careers."

As a senior U.S. diplomat, Smolik has specialized for 25 years in transatlantic economic issues and security affairs. He served as Deputy U.S. Representative to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, in Paris. He managed a team from eight federal agencies working on OECD issues. These included anti-corruption and counter-terrorism, as well as trade, science, investment, health, energy, and education.

Previously he served as Economic Minister-Counselor at the U.S. Embassies in Canada and Italy, as well as Deputy Director in the State Department for Western Europe and for NATO. Earlier in his career, he was assigned as energy officer in Paris, as Consul General in Trieste, and as Economic Counselor in Santo Domingo.

For more information please contact: bobsmolik[at]umich.edu