In Loving Memory of Andrew Schwartz
It is with profound sorrow and a heart full of gratitude that I reflect on the life and legacy of Andrew Schwartz. His passing leaves an emptiness that words struggle to fill, but his impact — on individuals, on institutions, and on the very fabric of our professional community — remains deep, lasting, and unmistakable.
To me, Andrew was never just a colleague or a professional mentor. He was a friend, a confidante, and at times, a steady compass when I needed guidance most. After I interned for him at the Center for Strategic & International Studies (CSIS), he did something I will never forget — he gave me my first real job. That alone changed the trajectory of my career. But with Andrew, it was never just about opening one door; it was about making sure you had the confidence and the connections to walk through many.
He introduced me to his network with a genuine enthusiasm that spoke to who he was — a man who lifted others up, who wanted to see people thrive. He taught me, with patience and insight, what reporters really need, how to build authentic relationships with the media, and how to communicate with clarity, conviction, and heart. These weren’t just professional lessons. They were life lessons, taught by a man who believed in giving, mentoring, and helping people become the best versions of themselves.
Andrew didn’t just help me build a career — he helped me build a life. It was Andrew who recommended me for my breakthrough job at the Center for a New American Security (CNAS). It was Andrew who stood beneath the chupa at my wedding and offered a blessing I will carry with me always. And when life presented challenges far beyond work — like the uncertain, often humbling journey of raising kids — it was Andrew I turned to for advice. True to form, he gave… and he gave… and he gave.
I always thought Andrew would be there — that rock in the background of my life. His steady presence felt like a certainty in a world that offers few. And now that he’s gone, the ache of that absence is real and sharp.
When they built you, brother… they broke the mold.
At CSIS, Andrew Schwartz wasn’t just the Chief Communications Officer — he was a visionary leader who, for 20 years, helped shape how the institution spoke to the world. He led with integrity, creativity, and a deep commitment to truth and clarity in public discourse. His leadership was quiet but commanding, his mentorship generous and unwavering. The strategic communications field is better because of him. CSIS is better because of him. Countless careers — including mine — were built on the foundation he helped lay.
But beyond all the titles and accomplishments, Andrew Schwartz was a good man. A rare soul who gave without keeping score. A man whose friendship and guidance were gifts to all who knew him. His legacy lives on not just in institutions, but in the lives he touched, the people he believed in, and the countless moments — big and small — where his presence made all the difference.
Andrew’s memory is a blessing. His life was a gift. And I will miss him terribly.