PTPI Blog

People to People International pays tribute to our remarkable Chairman Emeritus, Ambassador Julian Niemczyk.  A pillar of the organization for decades, and a remarkable individual, Jay leaves an incomparable legacy.  We keep his wife, Peg, in our thoughts during this sad time and we keep Jay forever in our hearts.

Mary Jean Eisenhower
President/CEO

For decades, Julian “Jay” Niemczyk tirelessly served as a leader within PTPI, embracing the mission of Peace through Understanding.  He was the U.S. Ambassador to Czechoslovakia from 1986-1989.  He also served at the American Embassy in Prague from 1967-1969.  He was in the U.S. Army and Air Force from 1940-1971.  His military service included assignments with the Office of Strategic Services (OSS) during WWII in Burma and China.  Jay served a four-year tour of duty with the National Security Agency (NSA) and a four-year tour with the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA).  He later served as Director for the Eastern European Office, International Security Affairs Office of the Secretary of Defense, Pentagon.

Jay was for eight years the Executive Director of the National Republican Heritage Group’s Division of the Republican National Committee.  In 1983 he became CEO of PTPI and in 1996 was elected Chairman Emeritus.  Jay was instrumental in the growth and development of PTPI’s Chapter Network and numerous efforts, such as the Meet the Diplomats Program.  His leadership and unwavering dedication to our global outreach has been a priceless asset to the success of our organization.  His many honors include the Slovak Presidential decoration and the Order of the White Ducal Cross.