David Francis Betres
David is a global communicator, cultural savant, and the founder of DFB Strategies, an executive communications, branding, and events consultancy based in New York.
About David
David Francis Betres founded DFB Strategies, an intimate communications and advisory consultancy, to follow nearly five years of diplomatic service at the U.S. Department of State in New York, Washington D.C., and in Paris.
While at the State Department, David facilitated strategic convenings and external engagements for the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations. In this role, David was the Ambassador’s liaison to cultural institutions, academia, the private sector, non-profits, NGOs, foreign audiences, and American citizens aimed at promoting U.S. foreign policy priorities worldwide.
From 2022–2025, David led public engagement and outreach initiatives for Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield, engaging cultural institutions, academia, the private sector, think tanks, non-profits, NGOs, foreign audiences, and American citizens to promote U.S. foreign policy priorities worldwide.
In 2024, he served as Acting Head of Public Affairs at the U.S. Mission to UNESCO in Paris, where he supported the U.S. Delegation’s re-engagement with UNESCO and planning for the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Diplomatic Engagment
David has held several key roles in U.S. diplomacy, most recently serving as Lead for Public Engagement and Outreach in the Office of Press and Public Diplomacy at the U.S. Mission to the United Nations (USUN). At USUN, he also served as Host Country Relations Specialist and previously as Assistant Coordinator for Event Logistics during the 76th United Nations General Assembly, where he played a central role in high-level diplomatic engagement. Most recently, David advanced U.S. diplomatic efforts at the Paris 2024 Olympics as Acting Head of Public Diplomacy at the U.S. Mission to UNESCO.
Private Sector Expereince
David is an accomplished global consultant with a diverse background spanning innovation, sustainability, education, and luxury retail. He currently serves as a Consultant with the UNICEF Office of Global Innovation. His prior roles include Sustainability Consultant at Ramboll in Copenhagen, where he contributed to international climate and development initiatives, and Director of Sales & Global Education at Philip B. Botanicals, leading global training and market strategy. David also brings experience in high-end retail and business operations through roles at Space NK London as an Account Executive, Business Manager at Nordstrom, and Development Assistant at Hallmark Gold Crown.
Education
David earned his Bachelor of Arts in Strategic Management with a minor in French Language Studies from Parsons School of Design in New York City. He went on to complete his Master’s degree in International Relations and Global Affairs, with honors, at New York University. While at NYU, he served as the Foreign Affairs Campus Coordinator and President of the International Relations and United Nations Student Group.
Enthusiasms
diplomacy | design | strategic communications | global culture
Be in touch with David
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