The Year of the Ginkgo theme for the month of March is Leadership, a quality that comes naturally to graduates of BSC. The visionary leadership of our alumni is helping to change not only our city and state, but also the world, for the better.

Matthew Tucker ’10 works as a Senior Program Manager at The Congressional Office for International Leadership (COIL).

“We’re a legislative branch support agency that implements the Open World program, a ten-day professional exchange program for international leaders at all levels of government, the private sector, and civil society,” Tucker says.

COIL engages members of Congress and their constituents in congressional and citizen diplomacy with political and civic leaders from around the globe. The goal is to strengthen mutual understanding and share best practices in accountable governance, civil society, the private sector, and rule of law.

Tucker oversees the implementation and grant process of the Open World program and manages a portfolio of countries.

“The Open World program is a ten-day professional exchange built on the foundational values of authentic communication and immersive cultural experiences,” he explains.

The program begins in Washington D.C., where delegates are introduced to American federalism, culture, and leadership. Delegates engage with members of Congress and their staff to discuss common challenges and participate in unfiltered dialogue. Traveling to communities across the United States, delegates meet with their professional counterparts to share expertise and establish lasting partnerships. During the program, delegates stay with host families, giving them an intimate view of American life.

“Over the past year, there has been a lot of focus on programs related to the effects of the war in Ukraine,” Tucker says. “For example, I lead the creation of a program called Helping the Helpers, which is to support the countries surrounding Ukraine in dealing with the refugee crisis that the war created. I’m working with Moldova, Poland, and Romania to bring delegations to the U.S. focused on refugee integration and services, education, and mental health.”

Tucker also started a new program in the Indo-Pacific working with Vietnam, Indonesia, and Papua New Guinea.

“This program was a special request on behalf of Congress to increase ties and mutual understanding with countries in the Indo-Pacific where the U.S. is competing for influence with China,” he says.

Tucker says one of the most formative experiences from his time at Birmingham-Southern was the opportunity to study abroad.

“It had a big impact,” he says. “Instead of graduating in 2008 with the rest of my class, I did an extended 5th year abroad in St. Petersburg, Russia.” He went on to earn a masters in Russian and Eurasian studies from European University in St. Petersburg and lived there for seven years.

“The biggest thing I took away from BSC was the ability to problem-solve and be resourceful. I learned how to take in a lot of information in a short amount of time and do something with it. The environment at BSC was challenging but encouraging and sparked curiosity in students. That desire to help and get things done I believe is what has served me best.”