Richard Cushnie is Director of the Northern Ireland Bureau in North America. A career civil servant, Richard brings extensive experience in policy and delivery across justice, education, and community relations. As Director of Good Relations in The Executive Office, he focused on creating thriving communities, building on previous work addressing Troubles legacy issues in the Department of Justice and driving education reform in the Department of Education. His secondments across the UK and Irish Governments, the Northern Ireland Office, the Irish Civil Service, and the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office provide him with unique cross-government insights. His work strengthens Northern Ireland’s international profile by deepening diplomatic and economic ties with the United States and Canada, promoting reconciliation, and showcasing Northern Ireland’s commitment to inclusive growth and global cooperation.