On February 17, President Obama announced his intent to nominate Makila James as the next Ambassador to the Kingdom of Swaziland. The WH released the following brief bio:
Makila James, a career member of the Senior Foreign Service, currently serves as the Director of the Office of Caribbean Affairs at the Department of State. From 2007 to 2009, she was the Deputy Director of the Office of Southern African Affairs. From 2006 to 2007, she was the Principal Officer of the Consulate General in Juba. Previously, Ms. James was a member of the State Department’s Policy Planning Staff from 2003 to 2006. Other positions in Washington include: Research Fellow at the Georgetown University Institute for the Study of Diplomacy; International Relations Officer in the Office of International Organization Affairs; Desk Officer in the Office of West African Affairs; and Watch Officer at the Operations Center. Overseas assignments include: Political Officer in Zimbabwe; Political/Economics Officer in Nigeria; and Consular Officer in Jamaica.
Ms. James received a B.A. from Cornell University, a Masters in National Security Studies from the National Defense University, and a J.D. from Columbia University Law School.
If confirmed, Ms. James would succeed career diplomat, Earl Irving who was appointed by President Obama as chief of mission to the US Embassy in Mbabane in 2009.
Related item:
February 17, 2012 | President Obama Announces More Key Administration Posts
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