Since 1955, only 62 Foreign Service Officers have been awarded the title of Career Ambassador, the highest rank in the Senior Foreign Service. It brings me great pride to share that two of our most dedicated and experienced colleagues here at the Department of State, when confirmed, will be joining these ranks.
Today, President Biden is nominating John Bass, Under Secretary of State for Management, and Brian Nichols, Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs, for the rank of Career Ambassador. I have benefited greatly from John and Brian’s expertise and counsel. They have served as diplomats in some of the most challenging and complex environments around the world and at each assignment they brought an unmatched professionalism and an unyielding commitment to representing the United States of America.
The Foreign Service, the Department of State, and American diplomacy are stronger because of the contributions of leaders like John and Brian. I congratulate them for this historic achievement and look forward to their continued service to this Department and our country.
Source: U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs