US Ambassador Ukraine-Eastern Europe: Bridget Brink - Speaker Series 2026

T he series opens on Thursday, April 30 with Ambassador Bridget Brink, an American diplomat and west Michigan native who served as U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine for four years, including during the Russian invasion in 2022. She previously served as U.S. Ambassador to Slovakia and has held positions in the State Department since 1996.
 
Her extensive experience includes serving as Deputy Director of Southern European Affairs where she coordinated U.S. foreign policy to advance U.S. interests with Turkey, Greece, Cyprus, Georgia, Azerbaijan, and Armenia.
Ambassador Brink is uniquely qualified to address the central question of her talk: “Why Ukraine and Eastern Europe Matter.”

U.S. Ambassador Bridget Brink Opens 2026 Series Please join us for a reception preceding event  The South Haven Speakers Series opens its 12th season on Thursday, April 30, with a compelling presentation by Bridget Brink, former U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine.   “Why Ukraine and Eastern Europe Matter,” is the ambassador’s topic as she draws on her firsthand experience during one of the most consequential geopolitical conflicts of the modern era. Brink served in Ukraine during the early years of Russia’s invasion and brings rare insight into the war, its global implications, and the future of the region.  Before her posting in Ukraine, Brink served as U.S. Ambassador to Slovakia and held key diplomatic roles in Georgia and other international assignments. Her distinguished career in the U.S. Foreign Service has focused extensively on Eastern Europe and security issues affecting the region.  The program will begin at 7:00 p.m. at Lake Michigan College South Haven Campus.  A special reception from 6:00 to 6:45 p.m., will give attendees an opportunity to meet Ambassador Brink before the presentation, according to Series board member Janice Varney.  “This is an extraordinary opportunity for our community to hear directly from a highly experienced diplomat on a topic that continues to shape world events,” said South Haven Speakers Series Board member Joan Bauer.  “Ambassador Brink’s perspective from inside Ukraine during the war will make this a dynamic and timely opening to our 12th season.” She concluded.  Admission is $10, and students are admitted free.  All programs are recorded for later viewing on the Speakers Series website and YouTube channel.  The South Haven Speakers Series is a 501c3 non-profit organization. Approximately three-quarters of the Series budget comes from generous donors. Further information can be found at the Series website - southhavenspeakersseries.org.