Expertise

Senior Advisor, Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs, U.S. Department of State, 2023 Global Plastics Forum Speaker

Jonathan Gillibrand is Senior Advisor in the Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs at the Department of State. He covers issues including space affairs and pollution, with a focus on the prevention of plastics pollution into the environment and creating a circular economy for plastics. His goal is to forward Biden Administration priorities by working with the career civil service and foreign service professionals at State to negotiate an international agreement on plastics by the end of 2024. 

He is honored to represent the United States Government in a Bureau that leads international diplomacy on global environmental issues spanning from the deepest oceans to the outer reaches of human spaceflight. His recent career has included corporate financial management and investment roles following completion of an MBA at Columbia University in 2000. While completing a degree in Mechanical Engineering at Nottingham University, he apprenticed in an aircraft factory, then spent a decade working in manufacturing, supply chain, and sales roles in the aircraft industry.

Jonathan is married to Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (NY) and has enjoyed helping her in over 15 years of public service. They have two wonderful boys Henry and Theo, and a well-behaved labradoodle who occasionally answers to the name ‘Maple’.