Ambassador Stephens Named to Key DOS Post
President Obama has designated Ambassador Kathleen Stephens as the Acting Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs, a job that includes representing Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton on the Broadcasting Board of Governors (BBG).
Stephens, a U.S. Foreign Service Officer with the rank of Career Minister, assumed the post February 6 and will serve pending Senate confirmation of Tara Sonenshine, President Obama’s nominee for the position.
Prior to this assignment Stephens was U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Korea from September 2008 to October 2011. Since joining the Foreign Service in 1978, she has served in numerous posts in Washington, Asia, and Europe and received numerous honors, including the Presidential Meritorious Service Award in 2009.
Her book “Reflections of the American Ambassador to Korea” was published in Korea in 2010.
The BBG is composed of eight members appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate and the Secretary of State, who serves ex officio. The Secretary is represented on the Board by the Under Secretary for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs.