Professional Affiliation

 Director of the Office of Ocean and Polar Affairs (OPA), Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs

Expert Bio

Dr. Elizabeth Kim is the Director of the Office of Ocean and Polar Affairs (OPA) in the Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs, where she leads U.S. foreign policy and global engagement in ocean, Arctic, and Antarctic environmental, economic, and security affairs. Elizabeth served as a Senior Ocean Policy Advisor in OPA from 2008 to 2022, responsible for international law of the sea and marine conservation negotiations, policies, and programs. Prior to joining the Department, Elizabeth was an environmental protection specialist at U.S. EPA leading national programs to manage marine pollution. Elizabeth earned a doctorate in marine ecology and a law degree from the University at Buffalo.