“Sandy was a really fine person and a devoted -- and effective -- public servant,” said USIP Board Chair Steve Hadley.  “It was a privilege over the last few years to have been able to work with him on a number of bipartisan foreign policy projects.  The foreign policy community will miss his sharp mind and strong commitment to our country.”

Sandy served as Deputy Director of Policy Planning for the U.S. Department of State from 1977 to 1980 during the Carter administration and as President Bill Clinton's National Security Advisor from 1997 to 2001.  In the latter role, and as one of the longest-serving members of Clinton’s national security team, Sandy is credited with a strong hand in crafting foreign policy for an administration that tackled peacebuilding challenges as complex as the Balkans, Northern Ireland and the Middle East.  Sandy also served on Board of Directors of World Food Program U.S. and CDC Development Solutions. Together with former U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, Sandy most recently has served as chair of Albright Stonebridge Group, a strategic advisory and commercial diplomacy firm.

“Sandy was also a true humanitarian,” said USIP President Nancy Lindborg.  “He wrestled with conflict, not only as a policy maker, but also cared deeply about providing relief for those affected by violent conflict.  His lifetime of service and foreign policy engagement has left a legacy that cannot be measured. Sandy will be remembered fondly within our halls.”