International Exchanges Expert Knuff to Continue Nonprofit’s Growth and International Outreach During Pandemic

San Diego CA— The San Diego Diplomacy Council has named Heidi Knuff as executive director to lead the nonprofit’s mission to deliver programs and services that promote trust, understanding and collaboration between San Diego and the world. Knuff brings her expertise to a world-class team building the organization’s partnerships and programs within government, academia and the public and private sectors.
Knuff returns to the San Diego Diplomacy Council after an earlier five-year stint as director of custom programs and services and further experience serving as program manager at American Councils for International Education.
“It’s great to have Heidi back with her existing knowledge of the San Diego Diplomacy Council,” said Yen Tu, San Diego Diplomacy Council board chair. “The pandemic challenged us to be innovative and inclusive. Thanks to our team, sponsors and members we were able to thrive. Heidi is the leader who will help us remain relevant and connected to the community as San Diego re-opens to the world.”
The nonprofit will maintain a hybrid model of in-person and virtual events and programs with a return to in-person programming this fall to welcome the return of international visitors to San Diego.
“Through my experiences studying and working abroad, I saw how travel and connecting with people from different backgrounds and places shaped my perspectives and adjusted my lens with which I saw the world. After those experiences, I was drawn to the field of international exchange and diplomacy. I believe this organization is critical to San Diego and to the work of promoting mutual understanding in our increasingly interconnected world,” said Knuff.
Knuff has a successful background in international affairs and diplomacy with a master’s degree in international relations from the University of San Diego.