26 February 2024 – The Committee for Freedom in Hong Kong (CFHK) Foundation has hired Jonathan Stivers as its new U.S. Director, based in Washington D.C., to lead its efforts to design, implement, and coordinate public education and advocacy campaigns in the United States.
Prior to joining the CFHK Foundation, Jonathan served more than 25 years in high-level positions in the U.S. Congress and Administration focusing on U.S.-China relations, Asian Affairs, national security, trade, emerging technologies, international development, and human rights. Most recently, Jonathan was the Minority Staff Director on the House Select Committee on the Strategic Competition Between the U.S. and the Chinese Communist Party.
In Congress, Jonathan played a leading role in the passage of the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act, the PROTECT Hong Kong Act, and the Uyghur Forced Labour Prevention Act while serving as the Staff Director at the bipartisan, bicameral Congressional-Executive Commission on China. He was also a Professional Staff Member on the House Appropriations Committee and a Senior Advisor for Speaker Nancy Pelosi responsible for issues related to China and human rights.
In the Administration, Jonathan was nominated by the President and unanimously confirmed by the U.S. Senate to serve as the USAID Assistant Administrator for Asia where he led on U.S. health, development, and democracy promotion initiatives in the Indo-Pacific region. Jonathan earned a Master of International Policy and Practice from The George Washington University and a Bachelor of Arts from Michigan State University.
The CFHK Foundation’s U.S. Director, Jonathan Stivers said: "I am excited to be joining the CFHK team at this crucial time for the people of Hong Kong. The Chinese government has effectively dismantled Hong Kong’s once robust civil society and continues to target and imprison those who dare to speak out for the values that made Hong Kong one of the greatest cities in the world. A stronger and more effective U.S. response is essential, and I am looking forward to playing a key role in these efforts for the CFHK Foundation and the broader Hong Kong democracy movement."
The CFHK Foundation’s President, Mark Clifford, said: "We are delighted to welcome Jonathan to our team. His knowledge and expertise will strengthen our work to advance the cause of Hong Kong freedom and to work for the release of the city's more than 1700 political prisoners."