Hello! I’m Phil Sutton, an award-winning writer, consultant, and CEO with decades of experience shaping public policy, international relations, and creative media. I’ve led large advocacy organizations, advised governments, and produced film and TV projects that aim to inform, inspire, and drive meaningful change. My career blends policy insight with storytelling to help people and institutions pursue ambitious goals. I’m passionate about mentoring, strategic coalition-building, and turning complex ideas into actionable plans. I’ve built a global network across 191 countries, overseen major humanitarian initiatives, and continued to publish and produce work that advances Education, Economic Development, and Human Rights.…

Phil Sutton

Hello! I’m Phil Sutton, an award-winning writer, consultant, and CEO with decades of experience shaping public policy, international relations, and creative media. I’ve led large advocacy organizations, advised governments, and produced film and TV projects that aim to inform, inspire, and drive meaningful change. My career blends policy insight with storytelling to help people and institutions pursue ambitious goals. I’m passionate about mentoring, strategic coalition-building, and turning complex ideas into actionable plans. I’ve built a global network across 191 countries, overseen major humanitarian initiatives, and continued to publish and produce work that advances Education, Economic Development, and Human Rights.…

Available to hire

Hello! I’m Phil Sutton, an award-winning writer, consultant, and CEO with decades of experience shaping public policy, international relations, and creative media. I’ve led large advocacy organizations, advised governments, and produced film and TV projects that aim to inform, inspire, and drive meaningful change. My career blends policy insight with storytelling to help people and institutions pursue ambitious goals.

I’m passionate about mentoring, strategic coalition-building, and turning complex ideas into actionable plans. I’ve built a global network across 191 countries, overseen major humanitarian initiatives, and continued to publish and produce work that advances Education, Economic Development, and Human Rights.

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Skills

Experience Level

Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

President/CEO/Founder at Sutton Viewpoint Center, Inc.
January 1, 1996 - Present
Founded a unique Public Policy Education & Advocacy Organization. Provide consulting and educational expertise across Communications & Human Behavior; Government & Politics; Economics, Foreign Policy & Trade; Business & Entrepreneurship; Education and Philosophy. Built the world-spanning SVC network with a large personal membership base and international reach.
Co-Founder at Africa Project
January 1, 2007 - Present
Helped establish a humanitarian initiative later expanded and increasingly led by indigenous populations; collaborated with high-profile leaders to address healthcare, economic opportunity, and security challenges in Africa.
Chairman & Member, Board of Directors at U.S. Institute of Peace
January 1, 2005 - January 1, 2012
One of 12 Directors; served as Vice Chairman (2008-09) and Chairman (2009-2012). Directed scholarly initiatives and peace-building programs.
Under Secretary of State for Economic, Business & Agricultural Affairs at U.S. Department of State
January 1, 2007 - January 1, 2009
Led the State Department’s economic statecraft agenda, advancing economic growth, energy security, environmental sustainability, and science/technology policy; helped set strategy during the 2008 financial crisis.
U.S. Ambassador Plenipotentiary at U.S. Government
January 1, 2005 - January 1, 2009
Senior Foreign Policy Adviser to the President; participated in NATO and G-8 Summits; contributed to high-level diplomacy and international negotiations.
Naval Reserve Officer at U.S. Navy
January 1, 1979 - January 1, 1983
Served as Naval Reserve Officer; Top Gun graduate; fighter operations; decorations include Distinguished Flying Cross and Bronze Star.
Fighter Weapons School (Top Gun) Graduate at U.S. Navy
January 1, 1982 - January 1, 1983
Ranked third in class of 24; promoted to Lieutenant Junior Grade; earned Distinguished Flying Cross.
Active Duty – Persian Gulf War at U.S. Navy
January 1, 1990 - January 1, 1991
Desert Shield/Desert Storm deployments; decorated for service.
Executive Officer at Navy Region Northwest Reservist Group
January 1, 1992 - January 1, 2001
Executive officer; later commanded the Navy Region Northwest Reservist Group.
Commander, Navy Region Northwest Reservist Group at Navy Region Northwest Reservist Group
January 1, 1992 - January 1, 2001
Commanded regional reserve unit; led organizational and mission readiness efforts.
Active Duty – War on Terror (Operation Enduring Freedom) at U.S. Navy
January 1, 2001 - January 1, 2002
Deployment supporting the War on Terror; decorated with Bronze Star and Distinguished Flying Cross.
Product Creator & Developer; District Mentor & Trainer at Independent Ventures / Self-Employment
January 1, 1985 - Present
Introduced the Living Security Insurance product in the United States; developed coverage options (mortgage protection, disability, final expense); provided mentorship and training.
President/CEO/Founder at SUTTON VIEWPOINT CENTER, INC
January 1, 1996 - Present
Founded and lead a public policy education & advocacy organization; manage consulting, copywriting, and marketing; build global outreach and impact across 191 countries; oversee staff, programs, and multimedia productions.
President/CEO at SVC International Trailblazer Program
January 1, 2018 - Present
Oversee the International Trailblazer Program with a vast network; provide specialized education and training in education, administration, healthcare, public policy analysis, architecture, leadership, and business management.
Chairman & Member of the Board at U.S. Institute of Peace
January 1, 2005 - December 31, 2012
One of 12 Directors; led scholarly initiatives and program development; served as Vice Chairman (2008-09) and Chairman (2009-12).
17th Under Secretary of State for Economic, Business & Agricultural Affairs at U.S. Department of State
January 1, 2007 - December 31, 2009
Led economy, energy, agriculture, oceans, environment, and science/tech policy to promote economic prosperity; contributed to crisis response and innovation policy.
U.S. Ambassador Plenipotentiary; Senior Foreign Policy Adviser to the President at Executive Office of the President / U.S. Government
January 1, 2005 - December 31, 2009
Advised on foreign policy; participated in NATO and G-8 summits; led diplomatic missions and strategic international engagements.
Product Creator & Developer; District Mentor & Trainer at Private Initiatives / Independent Projects
January 1, 1985 - Present
Developed the Living Security Insurance Product for the U.S. market; scaled concept across British Commonwealth countries; recruited and trained teams.
Captain, U.S. Navy at U.S. Navy
January 1, 1982 - January 1, 2002
Top Gun graduate; led combat sorties in Desert Shield/Desert Storm; decorated with Bronze Star and Distinguished Flying Cross; significant reserve leadership roles.
Executive Officer; Commander, Navy Region Northwest Reservist Group at U.S. Navy
January 1, 1992 - January 1, 2001
Led regional reserve operations; progressed to command; oversaw training, readiness, and coordination across reserves.
Active Duty; War On Terror, Operation Enduring Freedom at U.S. Navy
January 1, 2001 - January 1, 2002
Served in ongoing operations; decorated for service and leadership in theater.

Education

B.A. Communication Studies at University of Montana
September 17, 1978 - June 13, 1982
Communication Department #1 in the United States at the time.
B.S. Political Science-Economics at University of Montana
September 17, 1978 - June 13, 1982
4.00 GPA in Political Sciences
M.B.A. Financial Management at University of Montana
January 1, 1985 - December 31, 1985
D.B.A. Economics, Foreign Policy & Trade at University of Oklahoma
January 1, 2000 - December 31, 2000
PhD Public Policy at John F. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University
January 1, 2007 - December 31, 2007
Juris Doctor-M.B.A. at University of Virginia
January 1, 2009 - December 31, 2009
Honorary Degree
B.A. in Communication Studies at University of Montana
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 1982
B.S. in Political Science-Economics at University of Montana
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 1982
M.B.A. in Financial Management at University of Montana
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 1985
D.B.A. in Economics, Foreign Policy & Trade at University of Oklahoma
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2000
Ph.D. in Public Policy at John F. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2007
Juris Doctor – M.B.A., Honorary Degree at University of Virginia
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2009
Ph.D. in Humane Letters, Honorary Degree at University of Arizona
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2011
Ph.D. in Public & Foreign Affairs, Woodrow Wilson School of Public & Foreign Policy, Honorary Degree at Princeton University
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2012
Ph.D. in Humane Letters, Honorary Degree at University of Pennsylvania
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2016
Ph.D. in Humane Letters, Honorary Degree at Columbia University
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2017
LL.D., Doctor of Laws, Honorary Degree at Notre Dame
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2025
B.A. in Communication Studies at University of Montana
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 1982
B.S. in Political Science-Economics at University of Montana
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 1982
M.B.A. in Financial Management at University of Montana
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 1985
D.B.A. in Economics, Foreign Policy & Trade at University of Oklahoma
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2000
Ph.D. in Public Policy at Harvard University, John F. Kennedy School of Government
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2007
Juris Doctor – M.B.A., Honorary Degree at University of Virginia
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2009
Ph.D. in Humane Letters, Honorary Degree at University of Arizona
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2011
Ph.D. in Public & Foreign Affairs, Woodrow Wilson School of Public & Foreign Policy, Honorary Degree at Princeton University
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2012
Ph.D. in Humane Letters, Honorary Degree at University of Pennsylvania
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2016
Ph.D. in Humane Letters, Honorary Degree at Columbia University
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2017
LL.D., Doctor of Laws, Honorary Degree at University of Notre Dame
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2025

Qualifications

Sutton Viewpoint Center
July 4, 1996 - June 6, 2025
See Resume
Virginia Bar Admission
January 1, 2010 - February 25, 2026
Diplomatic and Public Policy Leadership (various honorary and professional qualifications accrued throughout career)
January 11, 2030 - February 25, 2026

Industry Experience

Government, Non-Profit Organization, Financial Services, Media & Entertainment, Education, Professional Services, Travel & Hospitality, Other

Skills

Experience Level