BENS Forms Ambassador’s Council, Expanding Its National Security Bench Across Diplomacy, Defense, and Industry

In an increasingly interconnected, fast-moving, and complex global environment, the lines between regional conflict, economic stability, and technological competition continue to blur. Challenges that once appeared isolated now carry global consequences, while the rapid development and adoption of emerging technologies are reshaping how the United States defends its interests at home and abroad. Meeting this moment requires more than isolated expertise – it demands coordinated action across the full spectrum of American strength, bringing together diplomatic, military, and private sector capabilities.

To help meet this need, Business Executives for National Security (BENS) is pleased to announce the formation of its Ambassador’s Council. Working in concert with BENS’s Distinguished Senior Fellows – a cohort of recently retired senior military leaders – the Council brings together former U.S. Ambassadors to provide strategic guidance, insight, and connectivity across the diplomatic domain. Together, these leaders will help inform BENS’s efforts to address pressing geopolitical and economic challenges, while advising on where and how BENS members can deliver the greatest impact in support of national security missions abroad. The Ambassador’s Council represents a critical step in strengthening BENS’s ability to integrate perspectives across government and industry, ensuring its work remains both relevant and actionable in today’s environment.

“I’m so proud to have formed this team of practitioners from all three pillars of our national security strength,” said retired Air Force General Tim Ray, President and CEO of BENS. “Those in uniform are represented by the flag officers serving as our Distinguished Senior Fellows, the diplomatic corps is represented through the Ambassador’s Council, and all of it is built on the foundation of our members – leaders from the private sector. In these unprecedented times, the need for BENS’s mission has never been greater, and for the first time we are bringing the full strength of national security together in-house to ensure we are as impactful as possible.”

BENS Ambassador’s Council

Georgette Mosbacher

Ambassador Mosbacher served as U.S. Ambassador to Poland from 2018 to 2021, where she played a key role in strengthening U.S.–Poland defense cooperation and advancing energy security initiatives across Central and Eastern Europe. A successful business leader prior to her diplomatic service, she brings deep private sector experience and a strong understanding of transatlantic economic and security dynamics.

Geoffrey Pyatt

Ambassador Pyatt most recently served as Assistant Secretary of State for Energy Resources and previously as U.S. Ambassador to Greece and Ukraine. He is widely recognized for his leadership in energy diplomacy and his work advancing European energy diversification and security. His experience at the intersection of geopolitics and global energy markets provides critical insight into one of today’s most consequential strategic domains.

Thomas Shannon

Ambassador Shannon is one of the most experienced diplomats in modern U.S. history, having served as Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs and in multiple senior roles across Latin America and the Western Hemisphere. His decades of service provide unparalleled perspective on diplomacy, regional stability, and U.S. foreign policy execution at the highest levels.

Gordon Sondland

Ambassador Sondland served as U.S. Ambassador to the European Union from 2018 to 2020, where he focused on strengthening transatlantic ties and advancing U.S. economic and security interests with European partners. A business executive and entrepreneur, he brings a private sector lens to diplomatic engagement and international economic policy.