Paige Cottingham-Streater leads the Japan-United States Friendship Commission (JUSFC), an independent agency of the United States government devoted to strengthening ties between the two countries. Under her supervision, JUSFC broadens and sustains the Japan-U.S. relationship by issuing grants, developing artistic and cultural exchanges, supporting policy dialogue and expanding educational opportunities.

Cottingham-Streater first became fascinated with Japan after traveling there with her family as a child, and her interest expanded through participation in the Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Programme. She earned a degree in Government and Asian Studies at Connecticut College and studied to be a lawyer at George Washington University; before assuming leadership of the JUSFC, she held a diverse range of public service-related positions including staff attorney at the U.S. Department of Treasury, law clerk at the U.S. Department of Justice, counsel and legislative assistant for New Jersey Congressman Donald M. Payne, Director for the U.S. Japan Project at the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies, and Deputy Executive Director for the Maureen and Mike Mansfield Foundation. Read More