After six years as the Estonian American National Council’s first Washington, DC Director, it is time for me to move on to other opportunities.  I have very much valued my time and work with EANC.  I learned a great deal about the Estonian American community and organizations, Estonian and Baltic security cooperation with the U.S., U.S. security policy and the legislative process, and Washington’s foreign policy and advocacy circles.

My goal in this position was mainly twofold: to raise the profile of Estonian Americans and the community’s interests among policymakers and associated influencers in DC; and to keep the Estonian community throughout the U.S. informed regarding EANC’s work in DC – including relevant legislation, issues, and events – in order to raise awareness, encourage interest, and facilitate grassroots participation in calling for policy that ensures a robust security relationship between the U.S. and Estonia.  I hope I was successful in prompting at least a few previously non-politically active Esto Americans to make contact with their Members of Congress.

Of course, the most meaningful part of the job was the friendships and connections forged with the people I worked with and who mentored and supported me as I was learning the ropes.  My deepest thanks and appreciation go to:

• The EANC board and council.
• The Joint Baltic American National Committee (JBANC) team and the many interns that passed through its offices.
• The Embassy of Estonia.
• My colleagues at the Central and East European Coalition.
• The many staffers on Capitol Hill who understand and support Baltic security, most notably those in the offices of the House Baltic Caucus and Senate Baltic Freedom Caucus co-chairs.
• The Baltic team at the Department of State.
• The think tank community, including the Atlantic Council, Center for European Policy and Analysis, Center for a New American Security, Brookings, American Enterprise Institute, and others who continue to consult with and host Estonian officials to speak as experts on the Kremlin and the threats its aggressive agenda poses to transatlantic security and beyond.
• And of course, the readers of this column.

All of my articles will remain available on the EANC website – www.estosite.org – under Washington Update and at eancdc.wordpress.com.

I will always truly cherish and remain grateful for my time in this unique position.   

Karin Shuey

Former EANC Washington DC, Director