MEMRI names former State Department official to lead partnerships and government outreach

MEMRI has hired retired Foreign Service officer Ethan Goldrich as senior director for strategic partnerships and government engagement, adding a veteran diplomat with Middle East and counterterrorism experience as the institute nears its 30th year. The move is aimed at expanding MEMRI’s government, tech and private-sector reach around its threat-monitoring work.

Why it matters: - MEMRI is adding a senior diplomat with deep national security and regional experience to help broaden its influence with government and private-sector stakeholders. - The hire comes as MEMRI prepares for its 30th year and looks to expand the reach of its threat-monitoring projects.

What happened: - MEMRI named Ethan Goldrich as senior director for strategic partnerships and government engagement. - Goldrich retired in November 2024 after 37 years in the U.S. Foreign Service. - His last State Department role was deputy assistant secretary of state for Near Eastern Affairs, with responsibility for Syria, Lebanon and Jordan. - MEMRI announced the appointment June 5, 2026, in Washington.

The details: - Goldrich has experience in executive leadership, national security and foreign policy strategy, press and media engagement, international negotiations, advocacy, coalition building and contingency planning. - He is proficient in Arabic, Hebrew and Russian. - His prior assignments included reopening the U.S. Embassy in Tripoli, Libya. - Goldrich also led the revival of the U.S. Embassy in Minsk, Belarus, and efforts to improve U.S.-Belarus relations. - He established and managed the Syria Regional Platform, which oversaw U.S. humanitarian and stabilization assistance for Syrians. - Goldrich served as political advisor to the commanding general of the Joint Special Operations Command. - He also served as deputy to the U.S. ambassador to the United Arab Emirates. - In his new role, Goldrich will work to expand the reach and clientele of MEMRI’s Jihad and Terrorism Threat Monitor (JTTM) and Violent Extremism Threat Monitor (VETM) projects. - The job also includes liaison work with Capitol Hill, government agencies, the military, embassies, tech companies and the private sector. - MEMRI Chairman Oliver “Buck” Revell said Goldrich’s government career reflects decades of leadership, dedication and service to national security. - MEMRI Vice President Ambassador Alberto Fernandez called Goldrich a valuable addition to MEMRI’s senior ranks.

Between the lines: - MEMRI is signaling that its outreach efforts are becoming more institutional and more tied to national security networks. - Goldrich’s background suggests MEMRI wants someone who can connect policy, diplomacy and threat intelligence in one role. - The focus on JTTM and VETM points to continued emphasis on monitoring jihadist and extremist content for government and industry users.

What’s next: - Goldrich is expected to start building partnerships across government, defense, diplomatic and private-sector channels. - MEMRI will likely use the role to grow distribution and use of its intelligence-monitoring products. - The appointment positions MEMRI to lean on Goldrich’s Washington and regional experience as it enters its next phase of growth.

The bottom line: - MEMRI is betting that a veteran State Department hand can help turn its research and monitoring work into stronger policy and industry relationships.