Rick Stengel is a distinguished American editor, author, and former government official whose career spans journalism, public diplomacy, and education. He began his professional journey at Time magazine in 1981, where he quickly established himself as a senior writer and essayist, covering significant events such as the South African struggle and U.S. presidential campaigns. His leadership at Time culminated in his role as managing editor from 2006 to 2013, during which he implemented a major redesign of the magazine and introduced innovative content strategies that emphasized user-generated content and critical global issues.

Before returning to Time, Stengel served as the president and CEO of the National Constitution Center from 2004 to 2006, where he initiated programs to enhance civic education and engagement. His tenure included the establishment of the Peter Jennings Institute for journalists and partnerships with local schools, significantly raising the center’s profile and visitor engagement. Stengel’s commitment to public service continued as he became President Obama’s Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs from 2014 to 2016, where he modernized the State Department’s communication strategies and led efforts against disinformation.

In addition to his editorial and governmental roles, Stengel is an accomplished author, best known for his collaboration with Nelson Mandela on the autobiography “Long Walk to Freedom.” His literary contributions also include several other notable works, such as “Information Wars,” which addresses the challenges of disinformation in the digital age. His recent podcast, “Mandela: The Lost Tapes,” showcases his extensive interviews with Mandela, further solidifying his legacy as a storyteller and historian.

Stengel’s influence extends beyond journalism and government; he is an active commentator on political news for MSNBC and NBC, and serves on the board of directors for CARE, a global humanitarian organization. His dedication to national service and civic engagement has earned him numerous accolades, including the Citizen of the Year award and honorary doctorates from several universities, reflecting his commitment to fostering a more informed and engaged society.