Twice a U.S. Ambassador, also a retired Senior Diplomat and a retired Army Colonel, I apply broad knowledge, managerial expertise and refined leadership skills to further United States interests at home and abroad. Strong speaking, writing, and people skills. Extensive diplomatic, military, developmental, logistical, and conflict experience. Particularly adept at bridging cultural gaps.I proudly serve on the Board of Directors of AFRICAP, a Africa-focused private equity fund, that is making a direct impact on African development through investments in growing businesses and in people. My passion for girls education is focused on AGE Africa which provides life-changing opportunities to young women in Malawi through targeted initiatives in secondary and tertiary education plus life skills, mentoring and leadership development.Since 2016, I have trained joint military leadership, staff and troops to understand and work effectively with non-military U.S. Government agencies, international organizations, and multinational allies. I also consult on a wide range of administrative and logistical support challenges facing U.S. Embassies, particularly Embassies in Conflict Zones.As U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Malawi (2011-2014) I led a $250 Million development, governance and security assistance program. I served as Minister Counselor for Management in Baghdad (2009-2011) and received The Secretary of State's Distinguished Honor Award for spearheading the multi-agency task force that transitioned support for the world’s largest Embassy from Defense to State Department responsibility and for successfully overseeing a $6 Billion budget. As Ambassador to Burkina Faso (2006-2009) I oversaw girls education, health and U.S. military security cooperation programs. Other diplomatic postings include Afghanistan (2001-2003), Kenya, Hong Kong, Saudi Arabia, Nigeria, Switzerland and Washington. As an Army officer I served in Germany and Korea and as a civilian, in Vietnam.I met my husband Mark in Germany when we were both Army Lieutenants. We both retired at the rank of Colonel in the U.S. Army Reserve; he is also a retired Senior Diplomat. Music, art and travel are my hobbies. I am a native of Wyoming and live in North Carolina and Washington DC.
Listed skills include Management, Leadership, Diplomacy, Foreign Policy, and 12 others.