Registration
About the event
As global dynamics shift and the Indo-Pacific region continues to grow in strategic importance, the relationship between the United States and the Republic of Korea stands as a critical pillar of stability, innovation, and cooperation. This event brings together experts to explore the future of U.S.-Korea engagement through the lenses of trade, security, and shared economic goals.
Through a moderated panel discussion, we will examine key topics shaping the bilateral relationship and the importance of trust and diplomacy in navigating complex global challenges.
Join us for a forward-looking conversation on how the United States and Korea can continue to build a resilient and prosperous partnership for the future.
When: Wednesday, May 14th, 2025 | 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm
Where: Hula Lakeside | 50 Lakeside Ave. Burlington, VT 05401
This event is FREE to the public. Refreshments will be provided.
Speakers
Hyung Choi
Housing and Transportation Attache, Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Washington, D.C.
Hyung Choi has served as the Housing and Transportation Attaché at the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Washington, D.C. since October 2023. He is responsible for managing housing, infrastructure, aviation, and overall transportation affairs, building relationships with U.S. government agencies, including the Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Department of Transportation.
Dr. Choi earned his Bachelor’s degree in Economics from Seoul National University and Doctoral degree in Macroeconomics from the University of Maryland, College Park.
Je Heon (James) Kim
Director of Public Opinion and External Relations, Korea Economic Institute of America
Dr. Je Heon (James) Kim is Director of Public Opinion and External Relations at the Korea Economic Institute of America (KEI) in Washington, DC. He also serves as a Lecturer in the Executive Master of Public Policy and Administration Program at Columbia University.
Dr. Kim earned a BS and MS in Industrial and Labor Relations from Cornell University and a PhD in Political Science from Columbia University.
Dr. Lydia S. Roll
Economic Officer covering the Republic of Korea, Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs, U.S. Department of State
Dr. Lydia S. Roll is an American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) Science & Technology Policy Fellow serving as an Economic Officer covering the Republic of Korea in the Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs (EAP) at the U.S. Department of State. She was previously an AAAS Fellow at the Millennium Challenge Corporation. Prior to embarking on her PhD, she taught English in Seoul, South Korea and Ankara, Turkey. She holds BAs in Political Science and Art History from Indiana University, an M.Ed. in Higher Education from Loyola University Chicago, and a PhD in Anthropology from the University of Kentucky.
Dr. Jon Erickson
Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Education, Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources, University of Vermont
Jon Erickson is the David Blittersdorf Professor of Sustainability Science & Policy, Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Education in the Rubenstein School, and a Gund Institute for Environment Fellow. He has published widely on energy & climate change policy, land conservation, watershed planning, environmental public health, and the theory and practice of ecological economics. His books include Frontiers in Ecological Economic Theory and Application (2007), and Ecological Economics: a Workbook for Problem-Based Learning (2005).
Moderator
Mike Pieciak
Treasurer, State of Vermont
Mike Pieciak is Vermont’s 31st State Treasurer, elected in 2022. A Brattleboro native, he previously served as Commissioner of the Department of Financial Regulation, where he led the state's COVID-19 data response and consumer protection efforts. As Treasurer, Pieciak has championed initiatives like Vermont Saves, a retirement program for over 80,000 workers, and expanded investments in affordable housing through the “10% in Vermont” program. He holds degrees from Union College and the University of Miami School of Law.
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