For Louis F. O'Neill, making a move across the world to represent an organization dedicated to the protection of human rights was a natural step in a career largely devoted to public service. In 2006, Louis F. O'Neill was assigned to work for the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) as Ambassador and Head of Mission to Moldova .

Louis O'Neill came to this assignment well-prepared for life in a former Soviet state where he would be consulting with leaders at the highest levels of government. O'Neill holds a Bachelor of Arts degrees in Slavic Languages and Literatures as well as Master's Degrees in Russian and Eastern European Studies, all from Stanford University and all with distinction or honors. Mr. O'Neill spent one year in Moscow as a Presidential Fulbright Scholar, and also worked for the The Moscow Times as a journalist and designer.

In addition to his in-depth knowledge of Eastern Europe , Louis O'Neill is acquainted with the workings of the highest levels of government. After graduating cum laude from Harvard Law in 1996, Mr. O'Neill spent time in public service on the Special Prosecutors Bureau of the New York County DA 's Office. Previously he had received the Legal Aid Society's 2000 Pro Bono Award for his work on criminal appeals in New York . His experience in law and diplomacy helped Louis O'Neill earned a position as a White House Fellow in 2004. In Washington , he was assigned to Secretary of State Colin Powell, often joining the Secretary in high-level meetings.

When his year-long White House Fellowship ended, Louis O'Neill went to work for the Policy Planning Staff of the U.S. State Department. The Policy Planning Staff is a think-tank type institution which analyzes and projects directions in long-term U.S. foreign policy. His work in this environment helped prepare Louis O'Neill for his eventual assignment to Moldova with the OSCE.

While working in Moldova, Ambassador O'Neill worked to expand human security in a variety of ways. In addition to his work on Transnistrian settlement, Louis O'Neill was a staunch protector of freedom of the press in Moldova and its breakaway Transnistrian region. "Freedom of assembly, freedom of expression and freedom of the media are fundamental to a functioning democracy. Any limitations on these rights in a democratic society should be clearly prescribed by law," said Ambassador O'Neill in March of 2007.