Dr. Susan E. Saxton, the interim President and CEO at the Middle East Institute (MEI) in Washington, DC, brings a wealth of experience from both the business and educational sectors. She talks to Kristian Harrison about her career journey from being the founding President of the American University of Bahrain (AUBH) to her current role at MEI and her roles in fostering growth and innovation.
Reflecting on her career, Dr. Saxton notes, “I began my business career in tax with Arthur Young and after the merger with Ernst & Young, I joined the Entrepreneurial Services Group. There, I developed a passion for start-ups, turn-arounds, growth initiatives and business strategy.” Her trajectory took a significant turn as she ventured into technology events, online delivery and higher education start-ups, solidifying her role as a change agent and ‘fixer’ adept at managing start-ups, mergers and acquisitions, organisational and leadership transitions and growth and scale opportunities.
One of the highlights of Dr. Saxton’s career was her tenure as the founding President of AUBH. “It was such a fulfilling role and a great honour to lead AUBH in its start-up,” she reminisces. “I enjoyed the challenge of creating a new kind of academe for Bahrain as well as exploring all that Bahrain and its neighbouring Arab countries had to offer and I made lifelong friends and colleagues.”
Transitioning to the MEI, Washington’s oldest think tank dedicated solely to the region, Dr. Saxton leverages her experience to lead during a critical period. She emphasises, “Providing leadership at this complex time in the world while ensuring a productive and supportive environment for MEI’s staff and scholars is my main priority.” Her goals include creating a sustainable organisational structure to match the potential of MEI’s focus on quality and impact, growing and allocating resources effectively and enhancing MEI’s strategic priorities with programs and convenings that make it the “go-to” place for US – Middle East affairs.
Dr. Saxton’s experience in Bahrain has been instrumental in preparing her for the role at MEI. She reflects: “Certainly, I was able to learn a lot about the GCC culture, traditions and growth potential in many areas. Bahrain is such a warm and welcoming Kingdom, and I enjoy being part of the community. As a board member of the American Chamber of Commerce in Bahrain, I understood the importance of business and trade, and the role that training and education have in impacting the labour force to support the goals of the country.” Continuing with support of Bahrain, she is honoured to join the distinguished Board of Directors at the American Bahraini Friendship Society (ABFS) in Washington, DC.
Her vision for MEI is to be the leading Middle East-focused institution in the world, delivering high-quality, non-partisan insight, analysis and prescription for thought leaders and policymakers. She envisions MEI growing its convening strength that continues to foster strong relationships between the US and the Middle East by promoting dialogue to build peace, security and prosperity.
A key aspect of her leadership strategy involves working closely with MEI’s board Chairman, General (ret.) John P. Abizaid and the rest of the distinguished members of the board of directors, corporate partners, donors, scholars and staff to ensure alignment around MEI’s mission. “MEI will continue to serve as a preeminent hub at the intersection of policy, education and culture which will enhance cooperation, problem-solving and innovative policy ideas,” she emphasises.
Looking ahead, Dr. Saxton is excited about several upcoming projects and events. These include additional policy programming, leading delegations in the Middle East region, standing up an initiative to engage with the congressional and executive branches and pursuing opportunities for MEI’s Arts & Culture (A&C) Center.
