James J. Blanchard has devoted his life to public service and the law. Jim served as US Ambassador to Canada (1993-1996), following his service as Governor of Michigan (1983-1991) and as a Member of Congress (1975-1983). A Carleton University expert on US-Canada relations recognized Blanchard as one of the two best US ambassadors to Canada over a half century. In recognition of his outstanding service, Secretary of State Warren Christopher presented Blanchard with the Foreign Affairs Award for Public Service. In 1998, Blanchard authored “Behind the Embassy Door,” a book highlighting his experiences as ambassador.
As a member of the US Congress, Jim Blanchard was best known for authoring the Chrysler Loan Guarantee of 1980, which helped save thousands of jobs.
As Governor, Jim presided over the addition of 750,000 new Michigan jobs and created Michigan’s first Office of the Great Lakes. Most notably Jim Blanchard also created the Michigan Education Trust (MET), our nation’s first prepaid tuition guarantee program.
Jim Blanchard remains active in US-Canada relations and diplomatic affairs generally. He is co-chair of the Ambassadors Circle of the National Democratic Institute and co-chair of the executive committee of the Canada-US Law Institute. He chaired the Board and remains active with the Meridian International Center, the leading public diplomacy center in Washington. A lover of history, Jim Blanchard serves as president of the National Archives Foundation and is a member of the Board of Directors of the International Spy Museum.
Jim is currently senior counsel at the global law firm of DLA Piper and active with numerous diplomatic and non-profit organizations.
In 2015, Jim and his wife, Janet, founded the Blanchard Public Service Forum at MSU, which provides opportunities for the MSU community to see, hear, and learn from national and international leaders, diplomats, and writers.