"Global Threat Cooperation" 2019
An US Department of State IVLP Multi-Regional Initiative
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In its second year, Global Threat Cooperation is a three-week US State Department International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) Multi-Regional Initiative that broadly surveys the transnational threat landscape and the role that global cooperation and partnerships serve to address them. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of the pluralistic nature of the United States through exposure to all levels of the political system and to key security issues such as cyber, disinformation, terrorism, threats to economic competitiveness, transnational organized crime, energy, non-proliferation, human security, and regional threats. Engagements will illustrate the integrated whole-of-community and whole-of-government approaches to formulating and implementing policies that maximize coordination among agencies, promote information sharing, and enhance cooperation with foreign counterparts.World Partnerships is honored to be selected to host all five of the regional and multi-regional groups in 2019.
From October 14-19, the entire group came to Tampa Bay for briefings and interaction with global security experts: A full day briefing by US Central Command and US Special Operations Command; subject matter expert briefings; and a special Plenary session. Subject expert briefings included: Daniel George, Assistant U.S. Attorney, Middle District of Florida; Michael McPherson, Special Agent in Charge, Tampa Field Office, Federal Bureau of Investigation; Chief Anthony Holloway, St. Petersburg Police Department; Michael Cochran, Assistant Special Agent in Charge, DHS Homeland Security Investigations; Joseph Durand, Supervisory Special Agent, BEST Group, DHS Homeland Security Investigations; Greg Mertz, Assistant Federal Security Director-Law Enforcement, Transportation Security Administration, Tampa International Airport; Mark Dubina, Vice President of Security, Port Tampa Bay; Michael Millioto, CBP Officer ATCET, DHS Customs and Border Protection; and Robert Diaz, Assistant Area Port Director, DHS Customs and Border Protection. Rear Admiral Edward Winters III (Retired), former Commander of US Naval Special Warfare Command, moderated the closing Plenary session. |
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"Seasons of Diplomacy" Reception & Dinner Honoring GTC
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On October 16, World Partnerships brought the Tampa Bay community together at its fourth "Seasons of Diplomacy" reception and dinner to honor the Global Threat Cooperation participants. Held at the Hilton Carillon St. Petersburg, the reception was sponsored by American Freedom Distillery, the makers of "Horse Soldier Bourbon". The distillery was founded by US Green Beret veterans, many of whom are the "Horse Soldiers" who led the American response to the attacks of 9/11. Retired Special Forces MSG Scott Neil, a founder of the distillery led the group on a bourbon tasting journey at the reception, and keynoted the dinner with a conversation about the journey, values, and entrepreneurial spirit that led from the battlefields of Afghanistan and Iraq to civilian transition to entrepreneur. Chairman Matthew Nolan, Partner, Arent Fox (Washington) offered welcome remarks, and Ms. Jeanne Briganti, Pentagon Liaison for the State Department's Office of International Visitors gave remarks on the importance of exchange, continuing collaboration, and citizen diplomats. Special thanks to our Dinner Sponsors for their generous support of World Partnerships!
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