A SEAT at the TABLE
MITCHELL A. SILK

“This isn’t just a policy book—it’s a story of conviction, creativity, and the free market at work. Mitch Silk helped shape key areas of one of the boldest reorientations of US economic policy in decades, and A Seat at the Table captures the mission and the man.

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— Larry Kudlow, Director of the National Economic Council (2018–2021)

"Mitchell Silk was a trusted partner in strengthening the US-Israel economic relationship. Few people navigate both the highest levels of government and the deepest commitments of faith with the grace and conviction of Mitch Silk. This book is a rare blend of policy and personal mission—reminding us what public service can and should be."

- David M. Friedman, US Ambassador to Israel (2017–2021)

"Mitch brought his brilliance as a lawyer, unique depth on China and infrastructure, and unwavering patriotism to our work at Treasury. A Seat at the Table captures how faith, intellect, and even a timely Yiddish proverb can strengthen the US in a complex world— whether in Beijing, Panama, or Kazakhstan."

- David Malpass, Former President of the World Bank; Under Secretary for International Affairs, US Treasury

"Mitch Silk was my law partner, Treasury colleague, and remains my friend. This book is classic Mitch—an elegant, candid, and courageous account of public service, full of stories where Talmudic wisdom meets hard-nosed financial diplomacy. A Seat at the Table shows how faith and intellect can guide a life of consequence."

- Heath Tarbert, President of Circle; Former Chairman, US Commodity Futures Trading Commission

"Mitch Silk was instrumental in launching the CARES Act program that saved the US airline industry and more than 600,000 jobs. He combined legal precision, policy savvy, and a steady stream of Yiddish quips that, while occasionally groan-inducing, we all learned to love. A Seat at the Table delivers that same blend of depth and heart."

- Brent McIntosh, General Counsel, Citibank; Former Under Secretary for International Affairs, US Treasury

"Mitchell Silk delivered real, measurable results for Panama. From the refinancing of our national utility ETESA—saving the country $60 million in debt service—to a $1.15 billion LNG project and rural electrification through micro-grids, his work under the US–Panama infrastructure framework has left a lasting legacy. A Seat at the Table is the story of how principled leadership and a home-cooked meal (with a little nip of home-infused vodka) can change the trajectory of a country."

- Javier Enrique Carrizo Esquivel, Gerente General, Banco Nacional de Panamá

"Thanks to Mitch Silk’s leadership, Ecuador gained not just a friend in Washington—but results for Ecuador. His work on the US–Ecuador infrastructure framework and the $3.5 billion DFC facility provided an anchor for long-term stability and opportunity to our energy and infrastructure systems. A Seat at the Table tells the story behind that breakthrough—and many others like it."

- Ivonne A-Baki, Former Ambassador of Ecuador to the United States

"Mitch Silk played a critical role in establishing the US–Jamaica bilateral infrastructure finance framework—an initiative that catalyzes private investment, improves infrastructure resilience, and offers a new model for development in the Caribbean. A Seat at the Table captures his rare ability to pair policy vision with human connection."

- Nigel Clarke, Minister of Finance and the Public Service, Jamaica (2018–2024)

"Mitch has a truly unique perspective that comes from his experiences of different cultures and his scholarly approach to the acquisition of knowledge. I will always be grateful to him for how he moved the relationship between Taiwan and the US forward during his time in government. There is much to be learned from the experiences he shares in A Seat at the Table, especially about bridging cultures and how determination and professionalism can change the fate of nations."

- Tsai Ing-wen, President of the Republic of China (Taiwan), 2016–2024

"Mitch helped build our China practice at a time when it required bold thinking and nuanced diplomacy. From his groundbreaking work in Asia to leading multibillion-dollar infrastructure projects in the Americas, he brought unmatched skill and cultural fluency to every transaction. This book reflects the values he brought to A&O: intellectual rigor, authenticity, emotional intelligence and impact."

-  Andrew Ballheimer, Global Managing Partner, Allen & Overy (2016–2020)

"Mitch Silk was with us on the ground floor of transformational power projects across China, India, and Latin America. Later, at the U.S. Treasury, he advanced bilateral finance frameworks that directly supported the growth of US power companies, including AES, in countries like Panama, the Dominican Republic, and Vietnam. This book tells the story of a man who bridged the public and private sectors to accelerate sustainable infrastructure where it mattered most.”

-  Andrés Gluski, President & CEO, AES Corporation

"Mitch Silk can negotiate the technical guts of a 1,000 MW Chinese power deal in fluent Mandarin—then turn around and charm an airport official in Yantai into clearing us through an impossible and ever-present immigration jam just-in-time for our flight. His legal expertise is unmatched, but it is his appreciation of Chinese business culture, his grace under pressure—and a perfectly placed Yiddish joke—that makes him unforgettable. A Seat at the Table is Mitch in full form: sharp, soulful, and very, very human.”

-  James F. Wood, Former CEO, Babcock & Wilcox; former senior
    U.S. Department of Energy official

"Navigating China’s infrastructure finance in the early days was high-stakes theater, and Mitch Silk was our leading man—precise in language, fearless in logic, and just irreverent enough to keep it human. His jokes were sometimes worse than mine—but his judgment never was. This book is a front-row seat to a great performance.”

-  Ashley Wilkins, Former Asia Regional Head, Société Générale

"Mitch Silk's dedication to public service had a profound impact on the aviation industry during one of its most challenging times. His timely pragmatism, clear understanding of the unprecedented challenges confronting the airlines as the result of the COVID-19 pandemic, and relentless efforts in navigating the economic and political complications, allowed the industry and its stakeholders to secure essential financial support that preserved jobs and ensured continuity of service. His book, A Seat at the Table, provides a compelling narrative of the behind-the-scenes work that safeguarded the future of air travel.”

-  Stephen Johnson, Vice Chair and Chief Strategy Officer, American Airlines

"In the face of a global pandemic, Mitch Silk's collaborative approach and strategic thinking were vital in securing financial assistance that kept Frontier Airlines flying and our employees supported. A Seat at the Table captures the essence of effective public-private partnerships and the importance of decisive action in times of crisis.”

-  Jimmy Dempsey, President, Frontier Airlines

"Moyshe Silk has long exemplified what it means to serve both country and community with unwavering integrity. His visionary leadership of Agudath Israel’s pro bono legal services network helped thousands navigate complex legal challenges with dignity and support. A Seat at the Table is more than a memoir—it is a reflection of a life devoted to justice, compassion, and Kiddush Hashem.”

-  Rabbi Chaim Dovid Zwiebel, Executive Vice President, Agudath Israel of America

"In an era when public life so often compromises personal values, Moyshe Silk offers a different path—one of emunah, discipline, and quiet courage. A Seat at the Table is not just his story, but a call for Jews everywhere to rise to their mission with confidence, humility and grace.”

-  Rabbi Moshe Hauer, Executive Vice President, Orthodox Union