Mark Palmer

Mark Palmer is President of Capital Development Company and Building D.C. LLC, a private investor providing capital and expertise in the United States and overseas. His extensive expertise in corporate enterprises grew from his pioneering efforts in this regard in Eastern and Central Europe.

An education in the early 1960s at Yale in Soviet affairs and several Eastern and Central European languages led Mr. Palmer to high-profile positions in diplomacy, politics, and the media involving several countries in the Communist bloc. He was U.S. Ambassador to Hungary from 1986-90, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State in charge of US relations with the former Soviet Union and Eastern Europe from 1982-86, and speechwriter for three Presidents and six secretaries of State from 1973-75.

As chair or member of several prominent boards he has helped advance international studies, democracy, communications, and human rights. He has received numerous awards and widespread recognition for his efforts.