CPD Welcomes Julie Duhaut-Bedos

LOS ANGELES, February 11, 2025 – Julie Duhaut-Bedos, former Consul General of France in Los Angeles, was appointed Diplomat-in-Residence and Interim Director of the USC Center on Public Diplomacy (CPD) by Willow Bay, Dean of the USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism.

Duhaut-Bedos is a career diplomat with more than 20 years of experience in international affairs and public diplomacy. She has worked in the French diplomatic service in Tunisia, Canada, Australia and the United States.

“With decades of service as a diplomat, Julie will bring a deep understanding of international relations and geopolitics to USC Annenberg’s Center on Public Diplomacy,” Bay said. “As Diplomat-in-Residence and Interim Director, she will leverage her expertise along with her extensive network to enrich our public programs, expand partnerships and resources, and elevate the Center’s profile.”

Established in 2003, CPD is a research, analysis and professional training organization dedicated to enriching the study and practice of public diplomacy in pursuit of a more peaceful and prosperous world. Housed in USC Annenberg, the Center works to strengthen the field of public diplomacy by conducting research, providing training, organizing convenings, and celebrating achievement through awards such as the Ameri Prize for Innovation in Public Diplomacy.

“I am honored to bring my knowledge, skills and practical experience to CPD, the students of USC, and the public diplomacy community at large,” Duhaut-Bedos said. “My focus will be on merging the practice and study of global public engagement and cultural relations to meet the transformational changes impacting the world today.”

Duhaut-Bedos has played a pivotal role in advancing public diplomacy through cultural, scientific, economic and sports initiatives. She spearheaded the creation of Villa Albertine Los Angeles, an artist residency hosting over 50 French artists, screenwriters and curators. She organized more than 100 annual events, from expert panels to film screenings, and played a key role in The American French Film Festival, engaging Hollywood and French industry leaders. She has also championed scientific and entrepreneurial exchange, leading to the establishment of a Business France office in Los Angeles in 2024, enhancing support for French companies. Most recently she has been actively involved in the exchange of experience between Paris and Los Angeles on the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

As Interim Director of CPD, Duhaut-Bedos will work in concert with Glenn Osaki, Director of the Office of International Affairs, as well as the CPD Advisory Board.

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