Fletcher Appoints Cultural Diplomacy Expert as Executive Director of The Edward R. Murrow Center

Medford, MA., September 14, 2023 – The Fletcher School is pleased to announce the appointment of Donald L. Heflin as Executive Director of The Edward R. Murrow Center, based at the school’s Medford, MA campus, effective July 1, 2023. Ambassador Heflin will also serve as Senior Fellow at The Fletcher School.

In this new role, Heflin will lead the Center in preparing students from all over the world in the practice of diplomacy.

“Ambassador Heflin brings tremendous expertise in foreign affairs and diplomacy to Fletcher,” said Kelly Sims Gallagher, Interim Dean at Fletcher. “His knowledge and experience around the world advancing foreign policy through statecraft will bring enormous value to Fletcher’s robust international diplomacy curriculum,” she added. “We are delighted to welcome him to Fletcher.” 

“I’m deeply honored to have this special opportunity to contribute to Fletcher’s world class community and their commitment to diplomacy at this vital time in global affairs,” said Heflin.

Donald L. Heflin served for 35 years in the U.S. Foreign Service, joining the State Department in 1987. Overseas, his assignments included Peru, Zambia, London, three tours in Mexico and two in India.

In Washington, Heflin served as Rwanda/Burundi desk officer, did two tours in Consular Affairs, and was Deputy Director and Acting Director in the Office of West African Affairs.

Donald L. Heflin served as U.S. Ambassador to Cabo Verde from 2015-2018 and had stints as Chargé d'affaires in both Mexico and India.

Heflin earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Birmingham-Southern College focused on political science and religion. He went on to law school at the University of Alabama, graduating with a J.D. in 1983.

He speaks Spanish and Portuguese.

Press Contact:  

John Gunnison

John.Gunnison@tufts.edu