Named in honor of CSPC’s transformational leader Ambassador David M. Abshire, the Chair represents the organization's highest ideals of bipartisan convening in the interests of the country, and serves as a key counselor to the President and CEO on global issues.

Dr. Walker brings more than two decades of experience spanning international business, diplomacy, government, and the think tank community. His career includes leadership roles in the private sector, nonprofit organizations, and the U.S. government, with deep expertise in East Asia, Eurasia, and global affairs.

Dr. Walker was recently appointed as Chief International Affairs Officer at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, where he will lead the Chamber's international portfolio, including more than 30 business councils and a global team of experts advancing commercial relationships between the United States and key international markets. Prior to joining the Chamber, he served as President and CEO of the Japan Society. Earlier in his career, he was Global Head of Strategic Initiatives at Eurasia Group, President and CEO of the USA Pavilion at World Expo 2017, and held positions at the U.S. Department of State, the Department of Defense, the Department of Commerce, and the Export-Import Bank of the United States.

Dr. Walker is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations, a David Rockefeller Fellow of the Trilateral Commission, a Presidential Leadership Scholar, and a British American Project Fellow, among many other distinctions. He earned his bachelor's degree from the University of Richmond, a master's degree from Yale University, and a Ph.D. in Politics and Public Policy from Princeton University.