U.S. Relations within the Western Hemisphere: A Snapshot

Mark Wells, Acting Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs, U.S. Department of State

Thursday, January 16, 12pm PDT

Online Program

Join us for a conversation with Acting Assistant Secretary Mark Wells, Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs at the U.S. Department of State. The Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs plays a vital role in U.S. foreign relations with countries and regional organizations throughout this key geographical division, which includes countries from the Arctic to Patagonia, plus the Organization of American States - 30 countries in total throughout the hemisphere. As part of his role with the bureau, Wells and his team are responsible for managing and promoting U.S. interests in the region by supporting democracy, trade and sustainable economic development, and fostering cooperation on issues such as drug trafficking and crime, poverty reduction and environmental protection, among other core areas. 

As a practitioner of U.S. foreign policy both abroad and in Washington, DC, Mark will share his unique perspectives about the challenges that the U.S. has faced in the region, relative to issues such as migration, inclusive economic prosperity, civil society, transnational crime and security, and long-term efforts to support stabilization and democracy.

About the Speaker

Mark Wells serves as the Acting Assistant Secretary in the Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs after previously serving as Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary in Western Hemisphere Affairs. Prior to that he was Deputy Assistant Secretary in Western Hemisphere Affairs covering South America and regional economic policy, and briefly covering the Caribbean, during 2021-2023. A member of the Senior Foreign Service, rank of minister-counselor, Mr. Wells served as the Deputy Chief of Mission in Bogota, Colombia (2019-2021), and Lima, Peru (2017-2019). His earlier overseas assignments include Colombia, Venezuela, Iraq, Bolivia, and Mexico. His domestic assignments include Coordinator for Cuban Affairs, Office Director for Western Hemisphere Programs in the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, and senior desk officer for Colombia and Venezuela. Prior to joining the Foreign Service, Mr. Wells worked in the Office of Summit Coordination as a coordinator for the first Summit of the Americas in Miami in 1994 and second Summit of the Americas in Santiago, Chile, in 1998. Mr. Wells holds master’s degrees in from the National War College and The George Washington University, and a bachelor’s degree in government from Oral Roberts University in his hometown of Tulsa, Oklahoma. He speaks fluent Spanish.