| Douglas Peterson
PERSONAL BIOGRAPHY:
Native of Omaha, Nebraska - served for 26 years in the United States Air Force with worldwide assignments covering Europe, Africa, Middle East and Asia. While on his 67th combat mission over North Vietnam in 1966, Peterson was shot down, captured, and spent the next six and a half years as a prisoner of war. Retired from military service in 1981 at the rank of full Colonel and engaged in various business enterprises immediately thereafter. Joined the faculty of Florida State University in 1985 and became Director of a Specialized Psychological treatment program at the University. Following an attempt by the State Government to discontinue funding for that program, fought hard and won the battle to keep the funding by mobilizing key state political and civic forces in the process. This episode provided the inspiration and motivation for his decision to enter US federal politics in 1989 – was subsequently elected to the House of Representatives where he served for 3 terms representing the Second Congressional District of Florida. Following resignation from the US Congress in 1997, he was appointed by President Clinton as the first US Ambassador to post-war Vietnam. Was re-appointed by President Bush in January 2001 for an indefinite term, but resigned in July 2001 in order to re-enter US politics and run for the governorship of Florida. However withdrew from the campaign following the September 11th terrorist attack for personal reasons and in order to pursue other business and philanthropic interests worldwide.
PROFESSIONAL RESUME:
Present: President & Chairman/co-founder - The Alliance for Safe Children
The Alliance for Safe Children (TASC) is a global child injury prevention foundation registered in the District of Columbia, USA as a non-profit organization. TASC is also an officially recognized humanitarian foundation in Thailand and Vietnam. TASC’s mission is to reduce child death and disability rates from injury throughout the developing world by advocating and raising funds for the cause of child injury prevention with governments, institutional donors and the corporate sector. TASC has its main regional headquarters in Bangkok, Thailand through which it conducts injury prevention research and programs in Thailand and elsewhere in Asia. TASC programs will eventually expand to developing countries in Latin America and Africa. Website: www.tasc-gcipf.org
Senior Director – Stonebridge International LLC
In this capacity, serves as the firm’s senior advisor for South East Asia. Stonebridge is a Washington-based global strategy firm headed by Samuel (Sandy) Berger, former National Security Advisor to President Bill Clinton. Stonebridge helps US and multinational companies shape and execute results oriented strategies to solve problems and seize opportunities worldwide. Website: www.stonebridge-international.com
President and co-founder - Peterson International, Inc.
Co-founder of a small consulting firm incorporated in Florida, USA since January 2002. The firm specializes in the provision of strategic advice and business solutions to companies involved in business development and emerging markets trade and investment activities in Asia, with particular focus on Vietnam and Thailand. The firm also specializes in lobbying and advocacy in these countries.
Chairman – US / Vietnam Trade Council
The US / Vietnam Trade Council is a Washington DC-based non-profit membership organization founded in 1989 to build a new future relationship between former enemies. The Council played a leading private sector role in lobbying for normalizing relations with Vietnam. The Council’s work is concentrated on: sponsoring and convening policy forums; assessing issues and providing up-to-date information; engaging in government and Congressional relations with respect to US/Vietnam bilateral issues; and providing technical assistance programs aimed at facilitating global economic integration for Vietnam.
May 1997 to July 2001: First US Ambassador to the Socialist Republic of Vietnam
Historic assignment with significant milestones achieved in the process of normalizing relations between the United States and Vietnam. These included outstanding progress in the resolution of MIA (missing in action) issues, a bilateral Copyright Agreement, an Aviation Code-Share Agreement, successive Jackson-Vanik waivers for Vietnam which allowed the resumption of long suspended US bilateral assistance programs to the country, the establishment of a new US Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City, and the conclusion of a landmark Bilateral Trade Agreement, symbolizing the full and final normalization process between the two countries. Re-appointed by President George Bush for an indefinite term in January 2001, but subsequently resigned in July 2001 for political and ideological reasons.
Jan 1991 to Jan 1997: Member (Democrat) of the United States House of Representatives
Entered politics for the first time and defeated a Republican incumbent for the seat of the 2nd Congressional District of Florida. Was re-elected for 2 consecutive terms and served a total of 6 years in the Congress. Congressional appointments included membership of: the Appropriations Committee with assignments on the Agriculture and Water & Energy Sub-committees: co-chair of the Task Force on International Affairs and Defense, Armed Services Committee, Transportation Committee and the Small Business Committee. Developed legislation for health care improvements and played a major role in winning final Congressional approval for normalization of relations with Vietnam, starting with the lifting of the trade embargo in 1994, followed by the establishment of a liaison office in 1995 and full diplomatic relations in 1997.
Apr 1985 to Nov 1990: Director, Specialized Treatment Program, Florida State University
Joined Florida State University as the Director of Specialized Treatment Program within the Psychology Department. During this period, pioneered and headed an innovative rehabilitation program for juvenile offenders at the Dozier School for Boys in Marianna, Florida. Fought a hard political battle with the State Government to keep it open and as a result, the Dozier School is still operating to this day.Dec
1984 to Dec 2002: Founder and co-owner – CRT Computers, Marianna, Florida
A full service computer company providing business and home computer solutions. Sales of computer hardware, software and provided IT maintenance services.
Nov 1983 to Mar 1985: General Manager - Odom Tank Company, Inc.
Following a family tragedy, moved to Marianna, Florida and took up employment with a large general contracting company involved in major public works (interstate highways, water systems, bridges) in the southeast United States.
Feb 1981 to Oct 1983: President - Peterson & Associates, Inc.
Founder and majority owner of a general contracting firm based in Tampa, Florida, with major operations in commercial and residential property development and construction, including public works. Sold the company following a family tragedy.
1954 to 1981: United States Air Force
Enlisted in 1954, completed fighter pilot training soon thereafter. Served in worldwide assignments in Germany, Turkey, Libya, Morocco, Italy, Spain, Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam as fighter pilot, resource manager and commander. Stationed in Ubon, Thailand during the Vietnam War - shot down on 67th bombing mission in September 1966 and taken prisoner in North Vietnam until March 1973. Last command posting: Base Commander, Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina, USA.
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT & PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS:
• Chairman, Vietnam Center, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas
• Director, Vietnam Children’s Fund (New York-based philanthropic organization)
• Member, Corporate Council, Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial Fund (builder of the Vietnam
Wall in Washington DC)
• Member of numerous military and veterans organizations.
SPECIAL HONORS & AWARDS
• 2 Silver Stars, 1 Legion of Merit, 1 Distinguished Flying Cross, 3 Bronze Stars with V Devices, 6 Air Medals, 1 Air Force Commendation Medal, 2 Purple Hearts, Vietnam Service Medal with 8 devices, 1 Meritorious Services Medal.
• 2 Veteran of Foreign Wars Gold Medals of Merit (1993 and 2001)
• Vietnamese Red Cross Gold Medal of Merit for Humanitarian Work, (2000)
• Presidential Citizen’s Award, November 2000 (awarded by President Bill Clinton)
PERSONAL DATA
• Bachelor of Arts, University of Tampa, Florida
• Graduate work, Central Michigan University, Mt. Pleasant, Michigan
• Graduate, National War College, Washington, DC.
• Married (2 adult children)
• Interests: politics, international relations and foreign policy, Asian antiques, cycling
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