Advisor
Senior Advisor, USA Strategic Investments, Economic Development Board of Bahrain
Ambassador (Ret.) Steven C. Bondy is the Senior Advisor for USA Strategic Investments for the Bahrain Economic Development Board (EDB). Steve is responsible for working with U.S. businesses to promote Bahrain as an investment destination for the full range of commercial sectors as American companies pursue opportunities in Bahrain, the Gulf region, and globally. The purpose of the EDB is to guide and work with each new and expanding foreign investor, large or small, through every step of the investment journey.
Steve joined EDB in January 2026 after a career of over 34 years as a diplomat with the United States Department of State. Throughout his career, he focused on the countries and issues of the broader Middle East region. He served as United States Ambassador to the Kingdom of Bahrain from February 2022 until September 2025, when he retired from U.S. government service. He earlier served as Chargé d’Affaires and Deputy Chief of Mission in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, and Assistant Chief of Mission in Kabul, Afghanistan. Other overseas assignments included Baghdad, Iraq; earlier service in Manama, Bahrain; Cairo, Egypt; Amman, Jordan; and Ankara, Turkey. During postings in Washington, DC, Steve contributed to policies for the Arabian Peninsula, Lebanon, and counterterrorism. Steve also served as the diplomatic advisor to the commander of the U.S. Joint Special Operations Command, the nation’s most elite direct-action military formation. Before joining the State Department, Steve worked for five years with a Fortune 200 American electronics manufacturer.
During his diplomatic career, Steve received the Presidential Rank Award, several State Department Superior and Meritorious Honor Awards, the Department of Defense Joint Civilian Service Commendation Award, and the 2016 award as State Department Senior Foreign Policy Advisor of the Year. Upon completing his tenure as ambassador to Bahrain, His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa awarded him the Order of Bahrain, First Class, in recognition of his dedicated efforts to enhance the strong and historic relationship between Bahrain and the United States. Steve and wife Meghan are the proud parents of two adult children and recently welcomed their first grandchild.
