Valpomag

Alumni Sketch

Mary (Burce ’79) Warlick

In 2007, Mary (Burce ’79) Warlick was named by President George W. Bush as Special Assistant to the President and Senior Director for Russia at the National Security Council. Among her duties: advise the National Security Adviser on political, economic and other key developments in Russia; prepare materials and brief President Bush for his meetings with the Russian president; develop and coordinate the U.S.-Russia policy agenda with other U.S. government agencies; work with Russian officials in Washington and Moscow; and work with the U.S. ambassador and his team at the U.S. Embassy in Moscow.

Residence: Arlington, Va.

Education: Warlick earned a bachelor’s degree from Valparaiso University, where she majored in political science and humanities and was a Christ College scholar. She received a master’s degree from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy.

On Valpo: “My Valpo education gave me an important foundation for pursuing a graduate program in international studies and a lifelong career in foreign affairs. It provided the foundation for developing strong writing skills, a strong work ethic, and an ongoing approach to learning and taking on new responsibilities and challenges.”

On her new position: “It’s a special opportunity to work at the White House and to serve on the National Security Council staff. [Other rewarding aspects include] opportunities to brief the president and regular interaction with the National Security Adviser, regular contact with other senior U.S. and Russian officials influential in the policy-making process, and the opportunity to have some positive impact on U.S.-Russia relations and U.S. policy toward Russia.”

Valpomag

Alumni Sketch

Mary (Burce ’79) Warlick

AlumNotes

Web Exclusives