PETER KIRKWOOD NAMED NEW INDIANA STATE REPRESENATATIVE FOR SISTER CITIES INTERNATIONAL

(INDIANAPOLIS – June 17, 2020) – Peter Kirkwood, Protocol Officer at The International Center, has been selected as the new Indiana State Representative for Sister Cities International effective July 1, 2020. He will replace Jane Gehlhausen, who served in this role for four years.  

“We are experiencing an unprecedented awareness of global connectedness throughout the world at this time, and citizen diplomats have an important role to promote peace and strengthen local communities,” said Kirkwood. “I am most looking forward to seeing the growth in exchanges among Indiana cities and their partners.” 

Peter began working with Sister Cities International programs in 2008. By 2010, Peter had assisted the Mayor’s Office of International and Cultural Affairs in establishing and reengaging Indianapolis’ eight Sister Cities programs. He has served on the Indianapolis Sister Cities International Leadership Committee and Indiana Sister Cities International Council since its establishment. 

Peter has been recognized for his service by community organizations that promote international and cultural exchange, having been named the Volunteer of the Year by the Indianapolis Sister City International Program (2014), the Carmel-Xiangyang (China) Sister City Committee (2015), and the Nationalities Council of Indiana (2018). He serves on committees for the Chinese American Bridge and is the co-chair of the City of Carmel Chinese Mooncake Festival. 

Peter Kirkwood joined The International Center staff as an International Relocation Specialist in 2007, providing relocation and cultural adjustment assistance to families moving to Indianapolis. In 2008, he became The International Center’s inaugural Protocol Officer, the only such position in the state of Indiana.