Former Presidential Special Economic Envoy to Northern Ireland Joe Kennedy III and Susan Davis, President of Susan Davis International, have been appointed as the new bi-partisan co-chairs of the US political pressure group the 'Ad Hoc Committee to Protect the Good Friday Agreement'.
Founded in February 2019, the committee was organised to protect the Good Friday Agreement as a result of Brexit and the fear of a hard border across the island of Ireland.
Led by former Republican Congressman James Walsh and former Democratic Congressman Bruce Morrison, the Committee was one the first to put a spotlight on and raise the alarm about the impact of the Brexit negotiations on the GFA.
"I have been pleased to lead the Ad Hoc Committee with my colleague and good friend Bruce Morrison these last five years" said Congressman Walsh, "that said, now is the time for a new generation of leaders.
"Joe Kennedy III was the Special Economic Envoy for two years and Susan is well-respected in both Dublin and Belfast.
"Together Joe and Susan will make sure that the United States remains fully engaged in protecting the Good Friday Agreement," the congressman added.
"I am very pleased that I will have the opportunity to continue to be helpful to the people of Northern Ireland" said Mr Kennedy.
"I learned so much during my two years as the Special Envoy. Irish America owes a great deal of thanks to Jim Walsh and Bruce Morrison for leading the Ad Hoc Committee"
"I hope to encourage closer economic links while keeping a sharp focus on the Good Friday Agreement and legacy issues," Mr Kennedy added.
Ms Davis said she was looking forward to taking up the role.
The CEO of Susan Davis International chaired the US Ireland Business Summit, creating the groundbreaking US-Ireland R&D Partnership, and has been formally recognised for her leadership by the governments of both Ireland and Northern Ireland.
The committee includes five former US ambassadors, two former special representatives as well as policy experts.
The group of senior leaders has grown to over 80 members and represents a broad spectrum of Irish-American groups, organisations and leadership.
