Christine Warnke

Why I Am Running for the Board of Directors

I am an ideal candidate for the Sister Cities International Board because my professional experience, global perspective, and commitment to community-centered diplomacy align directly with the organization’s mission to build enduring international relationships. Throughout my career, I have worked at the intersection of civic engagement, cross‑cultural collaboration, and strategic leadership—skills that translate seamlessly into the responsibilities of board service.

I bring a strong record of fostering partnerships across sectors, including local government, nonprofit organizations, and international stakeholders. These experiences have strengthened my ability to navigate complex cultural dynamics, build consensus, and advance initiatives that have a meaningful impact on communities. I am particularly passionate about programs that elevate youth engagement, cultural exchange, and sustainable development—areas where Sister Cities International continues to lead globally.

My leadership style is grounded in collaboration, transparency, and long‑term vision. I believe deeply in the power of people‑to‑people diplomacy to strengthen global understanding, reduce barriers, and create opportunities for shared prosperity. Serving on the board would allow me to contribute strategic insight, innovative thinking, and a strong commitment to expanding the reach and relevance of Sister Cities programs in an increasingly interconnected world.

Bio

Dr. Christine Warnke is an international business executive, an enthusiastic supporter of global social impact initiatives, a champion of the arts, a media personality, and a facilitator of cross-cultural exchanges for worldwide trade and investment. Her 30+ year professional career has included extensive public service and diverse guidance to corporate and government leaders across the U.S. and worldwide.

Dr. Warnke started her political career in the Office of the United States Senate Majority Leader, headed by the late Senator Robert C. Byrd (D-WV). In 1994, Dr. Warnke was nominated by then-President William Jefferson Clinton to serve on the Board of the National Institute of Building Sciences, and he was unanimously confirmed by the United States Senate.

She earned her doctoral degree from the University of Maryland in 1993 and was later named ‘Alumni of the Year’ by the University.

In 1998, President Clinton appointed Dr. Warnke to the Kennedy Center for Performing Arts Board. In 2010, Dr. Warnke was selected by the Smithsonian Board of Regents (whose members include the U.S. Vice President and the Supreme Court Chief Justice) to be an adviser to the Smithsonian National African Arts Museum. She continues to serve on numerous boards related to the African continent and other developing world markets.

From 1991 to 2018, Dr. Warnke joined Hogan Lovells LLC, the largest law firm in Washington, DC, as the Senior Governmental Affairs Adviser, providing expertise advice related to non-profit, humanitarian, and international corporate strategy development before state, local, and national governments.

Between 2021 and 2023, Dr. Warnke served as the Chief of International Affairs and Protocol Officer for the Government of the District of Columbia. In that capacity, she worked with over 18o diplomatic missions in the city. Then, in November 2023, U.S. President Joseph Biden appointed Dr. Warnke to the Presidential Advisory Committee for the Arts (PACA), with a focus on bringing all forms of arts and culture together with people worldwide. In her role at PACA, Dr. Warnke has worked to sustain the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and those who serve as its “Ambassadors for the Arts.” In October 2023, she was elected by the Sister Cities International Board to serve as the Director of Sister Cities International for the Washington, DC, community.

Skills

Over the last fifteen years, I feel I bring a strong record of global engagement, strategic leadership, and community partnership to Sister Cities International.   My decades-long experience in cross-cultural collaboration, nonprofit governance, including service on the Smithsonian Institution of African Arts, and international program development has equipped me to strengthen global ties and expand citizen diplomacy initiatives.  Having worked in our Nation’s Capital throughout my professional career, I have always focused on building both national and international relationships, fostering inclusive dialogue, and guiding organizations through growth and innovation.   My commitment to international understanding and my ability to connect diverse stakeholders would bring invaluable assets to the board.