Eric Farnsworth has led the Washington office of the Council of the Americas and the Americas Society since 2003, during which time the stature and influence of the organization has grown significantly. He has played an important thought leadership and advocacy role across the broad range of issues affecting U.S. relations with the Western Hemisphere, including economic development, trade, and energy; Asia-Latin America relations and broader BRICS and global governance issues; security; and democracy. He began his career in Washington with the State Department. He served in positions of increasing responsibility in the foreign policy and trade communities, from Western Hemisphere Affairs at State to the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, culminating in a three-and-a-half year appointment as the senior advisor to the White House special envoy for the Americas. This event costs $25 and includes lunch.