Diplomat in Residence – North Central
(IN, KY, MI, TN)
Region: North Central
Affiliate Universities: University of Michigan
Tours: Belize City, Belize; Panama City, Panama; Department of State Operations Center – The Watch; Senior UK Desk Officer; EUR Front Office; The Hague, Netherlands; Department of State Operations Center – Crisis Management Coordinator; Asuncion, Paraguay; Buenos Aires, Argentina; Foreign Policy Advisor Air Force Special Operations Command; National Defense University; Department of State Board of Assessors.
Career Track: Political Officer
Years of Service: 26
Prior Career: Lawyer
Languages: Spanish, basic Dutch, basic German
Education: BA from Michigan State University, JD from Wayne State Law School, MA in International Security Studies from the National Defense University at Fort McNair
Interesting Experience: While assigned as the head of the combined Political, Economic, Commercial, and Anti-Narcotics Office at U.S. Embassy Paraguay, I helped guide local partners through what was commonly known as that country’s “bloodless coup”. This required being empowered by higher-ups in the embassy and in Washington; patience and faith in local partners; diligence; smart risk-management and a sound ability to explain actions and what was happening on the ground to audiences far afield; discretion about what to report and when; preparation and a broad network on contacts on the ground; and no small measure of luck.
Last Post: State Department Board of Assessors
Why I Chose a Foreign Service Career: Throughout my life, I have felt a strong compulsion to serve my country and a desire to confront injustice wherever it reared its ugly head. The Foreign Service offered a perfect avenue to do both. Being an FSO has been a tough but rewarding job that has given me much in the way of fulfilling experiences. I cannot imagine myself doing anything else!