Dr. Catherine McArdle
Kelleher
(1998 - 2000)
When Catherine Kelleher began her term as director, the institute was already on solid footing. Aspen Germany had made a name for itself as a leading trans-Atlantic organization in the search for solutions to political, economic and ethical problems. The institute was known for its ability to identify and bring together young leaders and decision makers from different sectors. At the top of the agenda were support for democratic values and institutions, the stabilization and integration of Eastern Europe and the redefinition of trans-Atlantic relationships in the post-Cold War era.
Under Kelleher, the institute’s mission continued to develop. Its events took on a decidedly more official character and were usually carried out with a clearly defined connection to and in cooperation with the U.S. government.br /> Geographic areas of focus were now the Balkans, Russia and the European Union. Particular attention was paid to foreign policy and security policy. Events were increasingly open to the public and leadership programs were expanded.
In addition to the Berlin Senate, the institute’s primary source of funding, Kelleher was able to attract financial support from other foundations and private enterprises, including the German Foreign Office and the German Marshall Fund of the USA.
