Jonathan L. Kurz

Jonathan Kurz is a Director at Jefferson Waterman International, where he devises and oversees implementation of project-specific strategies to enhance clients’ outcomes in international business and foreign government relations. Mr. Kurz also plays a leading role in the firm’s US government relations practice. Areas of expertise include political, security, and investment issues in developing countries, as well as issues related to defense and security industries, oil and other natural resources. He has particular experience with matters involving Turkey, Israel, and West Africa.

Prior to joining Jefferson Waterman International, Mr. Kurz held key government relations positions with the American Jewish Congress. As the organization’s Associate Washington Director, Legislative Assistant, and Legislative Correspondent, he monitored, reported on, and advocated action by the U.S. Congress and Executive Branch agencies on diverse issues important to the nation’s Jewish community. These included immigration and alternative energy policy, asymmetric and unconventional warfare, terrorism, and defense and foreign operations appropriations. While with the American Jewish Congress, Mr. Kurz was instrumental in Congressional passage of action condemning the use of human shields in warfare and legislation that facilitates cooperation between U.S. and Israeli companies on alternative energy technologies. Mr. Kurz also has worked with premier research and policy organizations, the Brookings Institution and the Hudson Institute

Mr. Kurz holds a Bachelor’s degree in International Affairs from Lafayette College and an M.A. in International Security from Georgetown University, and has received multiple awards for his writing and academic achievements. He speaks Spanish, as well as some German and Hebrew.