Alberto M. Fernandez is a Cuban-American diplomat and Arabist with extensive experience in U.S. foreign policy toward the Middle East and Africa. Born in Cuba, he immigrated to the United States as a refugee in 1959 and grew up in Miami, Florida. Fernandez served in the U.S. Army before pursuing higher education, earning a B.A. and M.A. from the University of Arizona and completing training at the Defense Language Institute. His early career focused on language and regional expertise, particularly in Arabic, which shaped his subsequent professional path in diplomacy and analysis.

Fernandez spent three decades as a career Foreign Service Officer with the U.S. Department of State, specializing in the Middle East and Africa. He held various postings that leveraged his linguistic and cultural knowledge, contributing to U.S. diplomatic efforts in challenging regions. Recognized as an ambassador in his roles, he was notably involved in operations in Sudan during the mid-2000s. After retiring from the State Department, Fernandez transitioned to analytical and advisory positions, drawing on his deep regional insights.

Currently, Fernandez serves as Vice President of the Middle East Media Research Institute (MEMRI), a Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit that monitors and translates media from the Arab and Muslim worlds. He is also a member of the board of directors for George Washington University's Center for Cyber and Homeland Security. His work continues to influence discourse on international security, counterterrorism, and Middle Eastern affairs through publications and expert commentary.