Andrew Schwartz Obituary-Death News; Center for Strategic and International Studies Chief Communications Officer H. Andrew Schwartz Dies
The foreign policy and national security community is mourning the sudden loss of H. Andrew Schwartz, the Chief Communications Officer at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), who has passed away. News of his death has sent shockwaves through Washington, D.C., and beyond, as colleagues, journalists, and friends reflect on the legacy of a man whose voice, insight, and leadership helped shape how the world engaged with U.S. policy discourse.
Andrew Schwartz was a key figure at CSIS, one of the most respected think tanks in the United States. As Chief Communications Officer and co-founder of the CSIS iDeas Lab, Schwartz played a pivotal role in modernizing how policy research was shared with the public. His visionary leadership transformed the way the center communicated complex policy issues, making them more accessible through multimedia platforms, social media, and innovative storytelling. His work helped bring clarity to some of the world’s most challenging topics and enabled CSIS to expand its reach to broader audiences.
A skilled communicator with deep roots in journalism, Andrew brought authenticity and intellectual curiosity to everything he did. He hosted the popular CSIS podcast The Truth of the Matter, where he engaged leading experts and decision-makers in honest, thoughtful discussions on global affairs. Whether breaking down issues like China’s geopolitical strategy, energy security, or technological threats, Schwartz brought a unique blend of warmth, intelligence, and humor that made listeners feel informed and empowered.
Before joining CSIS, Schwartz held positions at Fox News and the U.S. House of Representatives, where he cultivated his reputation as a trusted voice in the political and media landscape. Over the course of his career, he built bridges between policymakers, journalists, academics, and the public—always striving to increase transparency and elevate dialogue.
Colleagues and friends remember Andrew not just for his professional excellence, but for his kindness, wit, and mentorship. He had a rare ability to lead without ego and to inspire those around him to be better communicators and better people. In a field often characterized by formality and division, Andrew brought warmth and humanity, making everyone feel welcome in the conversation.
Tributes have poured in from across the policy world. Former colleagues described him as “the heart of CSIS communications” and “a force of nature who made policy feel human.” Many noted that his influence will continue to be felt through the initiatives he launched, the teams he led, and the generations of communicators he mentored.
As the CSIS community grieves, plans for honoring Andrew’s legacy are already in discussion. His loss is not only a personal tragedy for those who knew him, but a significant one for the global policy community that benefited from his clarity, innovation, and voice.
H. Andrew Schwartz’s contributions to public discourse and international understanding were immeasurable. He leaves behind a legacy of impact, compassion, and brilliance. He will be deeply missed, but his voice will echo on through the work he inspired and the lives he touched.
