Ambassador Stuart Holliday is CEO Emeritus (2006–2025) of Meridian International Center, a leading non-partisan institution advancing global security and prosperity through diplomacy and leadership. During his tenure, Meridian became a vital convener for collaboration among government, business, and the diplomatic community.

Previously, Ambassador Holliday served as U.S. Ambassador for Special Political Affairs at the United Nations, where he represented the United States on the Security Council with responsibility for peacekeeping, sanctions, and counterterrorism. His government service also includes senior leadership roles at the U.S. Department of State and the White House, where he contributed to the establishment of the Office of Homeland Security following the September 11 attacks.

Earlier in his career, Holliday worked in international affairs as Executive Director of the Dallas Council on World Affairs and Regional Director for North Africa, the Middle East, and Turkey at the International Republican Institute. He also served as a U.S. Navy Intelligence Officer during Operation Desert Storm, later continuing his service in the Navy Reserve.

Ambassador Holliday holds degrees from Georgetown University and the London School of Economics. He is a life member of the Council on Foreign Relations and serves on the boards of the Center for the Study of the Presidency and Congress, Blair House, and the United Nations Foundation’s Global Leadership Council. In recognition of his contributions to diplomacy, he was awarded the Chevalier de la Légion d'Honneur by the Government of France in 2022.