TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) announced on Friday (Aug. 2) that Pope Thrower has begun his new role as spokesperson on Wednesday (July 31).
Thrower, who previously served as the Director for Public Engagement at the U.S. Embassy in Seoul, brings extensive experience to his new position. Thrower has held several key roles, including Public Diplomacy Coordinator for Japan and Korea, U.S. Embassy Hanoi Spokesperson, and U.S. Embassy Islamabad Assistant Spokesperson.
His career also includes experience in Chengdu, China, and positions as a Pakistan Desk Officer and the Sri Lanka and Maldives Desk Officer at the Department of State in Washington, D.C. Before joining the Department of State, Thrower taught at universities in Northeast China and worked as a communications and publications specialist for Florida State University – Panama City.
Originally from the Florida Panhandle, Thrower is joined in Taipei by his wife and child.
Meanwhile, Andy Dilbert began his new role as Deputy Spokesperson at the AIT the previous Friday (July 26).
Dilbert, who previously served as the Spokesperson at the U.S. Embassy in Algeria, has a rich background in cultural and educational diplomacy. Dilbert has also served as Cultural and Educational Attaché at the U.S. Embassy in Haiti, Policy Officer in the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs at the U.S. Department of State, and Deputy Cultural Attaché at the U.S. Embassy in Israel.
His other overseas assignments include Casablanca, Morocco, and Guayaquil, Ecuador. Holding a Bachelor of Arts in International Studies from Duke University and a Master’s in Applied Linguistics from the American University in Cairo, Dilbert also taught English as a Second Language before joining the U.S. Department of State.
