Suzan Resstel
Brasília | U.S. Permanent Resident | Willing To Relocate
Summary
With 17+ years of experience in strategic international affairs, dedicated career supporting U.S.-Brazil defense bilateral relations, diplomatic engagement, and interagency coordination. Proven track record leading complex bilateral initiatives, managing high-impact government visits, and facilitating cross-border cooperation in security and public sectors. Expertise in navigating sensitive political landscapes, driving strategic problem resolution, and drafting high-level communications.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Defense Affairs Advisor / Political-Military Analyst
U.S. Department of Defense – U.S. Embassy
01.2013 - 01.2024
- Supported strategic policy coordination between U.S. and Brazilian government and defense institutions.
- Drafted official communications, diplomatic notes, and executive briefings with national-level implications.
- Led planning for high-level visits by U.S. officials, including Vice Presidents and Secretaries of State.
- Oversaw coordination of agreements and memorandums, facilitating bilateral engagement and cooperation.
- Engaged with 150+ stakeholders in diplomacy, federal agencies, and legislative affairs.
Administrative Assistant
U.S. Department of Defense – U.S. Embassy
01.2008 - 01.2013
- Managed official diplomatic clearances, events, and logistics for over 30 interagency visits per year.
- Built operational databases and cross-agency workflows to streamline embassy coordination.
- Supervised staff and maintained multi-calendar operations across intergovernmental platforms.
Bilingual Secretary
Rafael Advanced Defense Systems (Brazil Branch)
01.2007 - 01.2008
- Provided English–Portuguese translations for contracts and official correspondence.
- Supported communication between Israeli and Brazilian officials on defense trade.
Education
MBA - Superior Defense Studies
Brazilian Superior Defense School
12.2024
MBA - Project Management
Fundação Getulio Vargas (FGV)
01.2021
BA - International Relations
Universidade Católica de Brasília
05.2007
Skills
- International Relations
- Government Affairs
- Policy Coordination
- Problem Solving
- Strategic Communications
- Executive Writing
- Diplomatic Negotiations
- High-Level Protocol
- Defense Cooperation
- Security Cooperation
- Leadership Support
- Stakeholder Engagement
- International Event Management
- Crisis Mediation
- Interagency Coordination
Languages
English
Portuguese
Selected Achievements
- Coordinated 100+ official visits between U.S. and Brazil, supporting strategic bilateral engagements.
- Authored and reviewed over 1,000 diplomatic communications for senior U.S. defense and political leadership.
- Recognized with 20+ U.S. and Brazilian government awards for excellence in diplomacy, leadership support, and coordination.
- Served as lead liaison for joint talks and agreements, contributing to major advances in U.S.–Brazil cooperation.
- Resolved sensitive intergovernmental crises involving protocol, communications, and international healthcare logistics.
Languages And Affiliations
English, Fluent, Portuguese, Native, Spanish, Intermediate, Brazilian International Relations Association (ABRI), Member, International Political Science Association (APSA), Member
Residency
U.S. Permanent Resident
Personal Information
Willing To Relocate: True
Timeline
Defense Affairs Advisor / Political-Military Analyst
U.S. Department of Defense – U.S. Embassy
01.2013 - 01.2024
Administrative Assistant
U.S. Department of Defense – U.S. Embassy
01.2008 - 01.2013
Bilingual Secretary
Rafael Advanced Defense Systems (Brazil Branch)
01.2007 - 01.2008
MBA - Project Management
Fundação Getulio Vargas (FGV)
MBA - Superior Defense Studies
Brazilian Superior Defense School
BA - International Relations
Universidade Católica de Brasília
Similar Profiles
Ken A. SeifertKen A. Seifert
Supervisory Regional Executive HR Director / Chief Management Officer at U.S. Embassy, U.S. Department of StateSupervisory Regional Executive HR Director / Chief Management Officer at U.S. Embassy, U.S. Department of State
Naveen RaiNaveen Rai
Senior Policy Advisor for India & South Asia at U.S. Embassy, U.S. Commercial Service (Department of Commerce)Senior Policy Advisor for India & South Asia at U.S. Embassy, U.S. Commercial Service (Department of Commerce)
RAISSA SILVARAISSA SILVA
Security Investigator at U.S. Department Of State, U.S. Embassy BrasiliaSecurity Investigator at U.S. Department Of State, U.S. Embassy Brasilia