AUBG has confirmed the appointment of Christo Grozev as the Chair of the Advisory Council of the Center for Information, Democracy, and Citizenship (CIDC).
Christo Grozev (’95), a multiple award-winning investigative journalist and AUBG alumnus, is internationally recognized for his fearless reporting on authoritarian influence, disinformation, and security threats. His investigative work, including the groundbreaking exposé on the poisoning of Alexei Navalny, has gained global recognition and formed the foundation for the Academy Award-winning documentary Navalny. His relentless pursuit of truth has placed him at the center of investigative journalism’s fight for democracy, making him an ideal choice to lead the CIDC Advisory Council.
The appointment was confirmed by AUBG President Dr. Margee Ensign.
Christo Grozev’s remarkable dedication to truth and justice makes him an exceptional leader for the CIDC Advisory Council,” said President Ensign. “His work has shaped global conversations on democracy, disinformation, and media freedom, and we are proud to have him guide the Center as it continues to empower individuals and communities to protect democratic values in the digital age.”
Dr. Jacob Udo-Udo Jacob, Executive Director of CIDC, presented details of the Advisory Council to the AUBG Board of Trustees at the recently concluded meeting in New York. The inaugural meeting of the Advisory Council is scheduled to take place in March 2025.
Strategic Vision for CIDC
As Chair of the Advisory Council, Christo Grozev will provide strategic leadership in shaping CIDC’s direction. His role includes guiding CIDC’s mission to strengthen democracy, counter disinformation, and promote fact-based journalism in an era of increasing global threats to media freedom.
Speaking on the appointment, Dr. Jacob Udo-Udo Jacob expressed his enthusiasm for Grozev’s leadership:
“Christo Grozev is one of the most courageous journalists of our time. His experience in investigative journalism, OSINT, and combating disinformation makes him uniquely positioned to steer CIDC in a strategic and impactful direction. I look forward to working with him and the esteemed members of our Advisory Council to advance our mission.”
Diverse and Distinguished Advisory Council
The CIDC Advisory Council is composed of leading experts in journalism, security, diplomacy, technology and policy, ensuring a broad and informed approach to CIDC’s strategic initiatives.
Members of the CIDC Advisory Council include:
- Christo Grozev – Investigative Journalist
- Ambassador Delfin Pllana – Kosovo’s Ambassador to Hungary and former senior diplomat for Kosovo in Bulgaria.
- Atanas Politov – Legal expert and Director of Positive Impact at Dentons, specializing in human rights law and democratic governance.
- Merle Maigre – Senior Cybersecurity Expert at e-Governance Academy and former Director of NATO’s Cyber Defense Center.
- Brig. General Amy Johnstone (Ret.) – Former U.S. Army Public Affairs Officer and NATO strategic communications expert.
- Dr. Velizar Shalamanov – Former Minister of Defense of Bulgaria and NATO strategic advisor.
- Zhikica (Zach) Pagovski – Director of Strategic Partnerships at Foreign Policy magazine, specializing in democracy promotion and international security.
- Albena Kehayova – AUBG Director of Communications and Marketing, with extensive experience in strategic communications.
Looking Ahead: CIDC’s Expanding Impact
The Advisory Council will play a critical role in supporting CIDC’s initiatives and strategic direction.
The appointment of Christo Grozev and the formation of the Advisory Council mark a significant milestone in CIDC’s development and in its mission to advance democratic principles, counter disinformation, and promote civic engagement locally, regionally, and globally.
Founded in 2022, the Center for Information, Democracy, and Citizenship (CIDC) at the American University in Bulgaria (AUBG) addresses critical challenges at the intersection of information, democracy, and citizenship. The CIDC serves as a hub for transdisciplinary research, education, and public engagement, empowering individuals, communities and countries to navigate the complexities of the digital age with confidence and critical acumen. The center is poised to expand its influence both regionally and globally.
