Mary Kissel
Mary Elizabeth Kissel | |
|---|---|
| Alma mater | Harvard University (BA), Johns Hopkins University Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced International Studies (MA) |
| Occupation(s) | Strategist, corporate board member, journalist |
| Years active | 2004–present |
| Known for | Expertise in U.S. foreign affairs with a focus on China; editorial contributions at The Wall Street Journal; Senior Advisor to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo |
Mary Elizabeth Kissel is an American strategist, corporate board member, and former journalist, noted for her expertise in U.S. foreign affairs with a focus on China during the initial Trump Administration at the State Department. She is also known for her impactful editorial contributions at The Wall Street Journal in both New York and Hong Kong.
Early life and education
Originating from southern Florida, Kissel completed her secondary education at the Dreyfoos School of the Arts. She holds a bachelor's degree in government from Harvard University, where she studied under the guidance of Russian historian Richard Pipes. During her time at Harvard, she was recognized as a skilled marimba player, performing with the Harvard-Radcliffe Orchestra and participating in productions with Harvard College Opera. She further advanced her studies by earning a master's degree from the Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced International Studies at Johns Hopkins University, attending its campuses in Bologna and Washington, DC.
Professional career
Since March 2021, Kissel has been serving as Executive Vice President at Stephens, one of the largest family-owned financial services firms in the United States, where she advises clients on matters related to political risk and public policy. She holds leadership roles on public company boards, currently acting as vice chairman of NYSE-listed logistics firm RXO, Inc. (2022–present) and director of NYSE-listed building materials distributor QXO, Inc. (2024–present). Her previous board experience includes a directorship at XPO, Inc. from 2021 to 2022.
Between October 2018 and January 2021, Kissel was Senior Advisor to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, contributing to the formulation of U.S. foreign policy and accompanying him on more than 60 diplomatic missions abroad. She became known for advocating a firm approach toward U.S.-China relations, championing the rights of Uyghur minorities, supporting Hong Kong’s pro-democracy efforts, and encouraging strengthened U.S.-Taiwan relations. Collaborating with Harvard Law professor Mary Ann Glendon, she helped establish the Secretary’s Commission on Unalienable Rights and played an instrumental role in the 2021 designation of genocide against China’s Communist Party.
Prior to her tenure at the State Department, Kissel was part of The Wall Street Journal editorial board in New York as chief foreign affairs writer for the "Review & Outlook" column. She hosted the Journal’s "Foreign Edition" podcast and contributed to Fox News between 2017 and 2018, frequently appearing on shows such as The Journal Editorial Report and Sunday Morning Futures. Additionally, she co-hosted the nationally syndicated program The John Batchelor Show.
Kissel launched her journalism career at The Wall Street Journal Asia in Hong Kong in 2004 as a foreign correspondent and later served as editorial-page editor (2005–2010), overseeing commentary focused on the Asia-Pacific region. She profiled significant figures including the Dalai Lama, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, South Korean President Lee Myung-bak, and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. Her analysis frequently highlighted concerns over Beijing’s military expansionism in the Pacific and its suppression of freedoms in Hong Kong.
Her articles have appeared in publications such as Far Eastern Economic Review, The Spectator, Le Spectacle du Monde, and World Affairs. She has been featured on major broadcast networks including ABC News, CNBC, CNN, Fox News, MSNBC, RTHK, and Sky News Australia. Her radio engagements include appearances on ABC Radio, Fox News Radio, Radio National, and the Larry Kudlow Show.
Kissel began her professional journey as a fixed income research analyst and capital markets specialist at Goldman Sachs in both New York City and London.
Affiliations
Kissel holds life membership in the Council on Foreign Relations and serves on the board of the American Australian Council. She earned the distinction of being a Lincoln Fellow at the Claremont Institute in 2006 and was appointed an Edwards Media Fellow at the Hoover Institution in both 2012 and 2016. Additionally, she participated as a member and host in the Nixon Seminar on Conservative Realism and National Security from 2021 to 2024. Kissel has also been honored with the Distinguished Woman award from Northwood University.