Walter and Leonore Annenberg Excellence in Diplomacy Award
The Walter and Leonore Annenberg Award for Excellence in Diplomacy is an annual award given by the American Academy of Diplomacy in recognition of an individual or group who has made exemplary contributions to the field of American diplomacy. It is the Academy’s highest honor and its purpose is to highlight the important contribution of all aspects of diplomacy to the nation’s business.
The Award is presented at the Academy’s Annual Awards Luncheon at the State Department in the fall, during which the recipient acts as keynote speaker. Recipients of the Annenberg Award are recommended by the Academy’s Executive Committee and are approved by the Board of Directors.
Recipient - 2024
Anne Patterson
Anne W. Patterson was the Assistant Secretary for Near Eastern affairs at the Department of State from 2013 to 2017. She served as Ambassador to Egypt (2011-2013), to Pakistan (2007-2010), to Colombia (2000-2003) and to El Salvador (1997-2000). She is a Career Ambassador. Patterson also served as Assistant Secretary of State for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement, as Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations, and as Deputy Inspector General of the Department of State.
Ambassador Patterson received the American Foreign Service Association's award in 2022 for Lifetime Contributions to American Diplomacy. She was named as one of Foreign Policy's Top Global Thinkers in 2011. She was awarded the Secretary's Distinguished Service Award in 2008 and 2011 and the Presidential Distinguished Service Award in 2006. Patterson received the Ralph Bunche award from the OSS Society in 2023.
In retirement, Ambassador Patterson was a fellow at Yale University and served on the Board of Advisors of the Jackson School at Yale. She was a member of the congressionally appointed 2019 National Defense Strategy Commission. She is a member of the American Academy of Diplomacy. Patterson is also the chair of the Association of Diplomatic Studies and Training and a board member of the Institute
for the Study of Diplomacy at Georgetown University. Ambassador Patterson graduated from Wellesley College and is married to retired Foreign Service Officer David Patterson.
