An expert in US–Asian relations has been appointed chief executive officer of the Perth USAsia Centre at The University of Western Australia.
Malcolm Binks, Chairman of the board of directors of the Perth USAsia Centre, today announced Gordon Flake as the inaugural CEO. Mr Flake served as executive director for 15 years of the Maureen and Mike Mansfield Foundation, an independent organisation that promotes understanding and cooperation in US–Asia relations.
Mr Binks said that Mr Flake will bring an extraordinary depth and breadth of knowledge and experience to the Centre.
“Gordon’s great success as leader of the Maureen and Mike Mansfield Foundation, his extensive networks across Asia, and his high level expertise on US–Asia relations makes him ideally placed to build the Centre into a globally significant institution,” he said.
Australia’s Ambassador to the United States Kim Beazley today congratulated Mr Flake on his appointment at a reception at the Ambassador’s residence in Washington, DC, held on the occasion of the Australia–United States Ministerial Consultations (AUSMIN) talks.
The Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs, the Hon Julie Bishop MP, congratulated Mr Flake on his appointment. Ms Bishop welcomed the Perth USAsia Centre’s planned focus on Australia and the United States’ shared strategic and economic interests in Asia.
“The Perth USAsia Centre will be uniquely positioned to consider Western Australia’s growing importance to the Australia-US bilateral relationship, to draw strength from its proximity to Asia and existing links to the region, and to offer expertise and develop insights into the critically important triangle of Australia-Asia-US relations,” said Ms Bishop.
Western Australia Premier Colin Barnett welcomed Mr Flake’s appointment. “The State Government is pleased to support the Perth USAsia Centre and its role in promoting and supporting the important links we have with the United States.
“I look forward to meeting Mr Flake here in Perth.”
The vice-chancellor of The University of Western Australia Professor Paul Johnson welcomed the appointment.
“Gordon’s understanding and expertise in Asia and Washington DC will be of exceptional benefit to the Centre and the greater community of WA,” Professor Johnson said.
US-born Mr Flake completed his undergraduate studies in Korean language studies at Brigham Young University in Utah and his MA in international studies at Brigham Young’s David M. Kennedy Center for International and Area Studies.
“I am deeply honoured to be joining the Perth USAsia Centre and look forward to working closely with the vibrant academic, civic, political, and business communities in Perth and across Australia to promote stronger ties and deeper understanding between Australia, Asia and the United States,” Mr Flake said.
“We will benefit tremendously from Perth’s proximity to and unique role in Asia, the many strengths of The University of Western Australia, and the excellent partnership with the Centre’s sister institution, the United States Studies Centre at the University of Sydney.”
The Perth USAsia Centre is an initiative between the US Studies Centre, the American Australian Association, and The University of Western Australia, with major funding from the Australian and Western Australian Governments and US corporations.
MEDIA ENQUIRIES:
Madeleine King (Perth USAsia Centre): t +61 408 900 060 e madeleine.king@uwa.edu.au Nina Fudala (US Studies Centre): t +61 409 321 918 e n.fudala@bigpond.com UWA Public Affairs Media Team: t +61 8 6488 7977 / +61 432 637 716
For more information about UWA: www.uwa.edu.au For more information about the Perth USAsia Centre: www.perthUSAsia.edu.au
