Claude Fontheim

Claude Fontheim is the CEO of Fontheim International, LLC, non-executive chair at the GlobalWorks Foundation, and co-founder and senior advisor to the American Leadership Initiative.

Fontheim was among the first practitioners in the field now known as environment, society & governance (ESG) and has long been involved in the development and implementation of U.S. international trade policy and legislation. He has advised global businesses, civil society organizations, government officials, and presidential and congressional campaigns on international trade, global development, and foreign policy matters.

In addition to his work with CIPE, Fontheim’s extensive nonprofit activities include service on the following boards of directors:

• GlobalWorks Foundation provides capacity building, training, and thought leadership regarding business and human rights.
• American Leadership Initiative works with policymakers and thought leaders from business, civil society, and think tanks to develop new policy strategies in trade, aid, and foreign policy.
• Member, Board of Directors: NewDEAL Forum, which supports outstanding state and locally elected officials in the United States through education and professional development programs.
• Chair, Advisory Council, GoodWeave International. Mr. Fontheim previously served as Chair of the Board of Directors of GoodWeave, one of the world’s leading civil society organizations working to eliminate child, forced, and bonded labor from global supply chains.

He also serves on the Advisory Board of the University of Michigan – Michigan in Washington Program, where he and his family have endowed a scholarship for students who would otherwise be unable to afford participation.

Fontheim previously served on the President’s Advisory Committee on Trade Policy and Negotiations, as well as the advisory committees on Africa for the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative and on international economic policy for the U.S. Department of State. He was also a partner in a global law firm, served on the board of the Alliance to End Hunger, and has been politically active for many years.

Fontheim received his law degree, master’s in public policy, and bachelor of arts from the University of Michigan, where he graduated with High Honors and High Distinction, was elected to Phi Beta Kappa, and served as managing editor of the University’s international law publication.