Washington: Nancy J Powell, a career diplomat
with wide experience in South Asia, has been named by US
President Barack Obama as the next ambassador to India, the
first woman to be nominated for the coveted post.
64-year-old Powell would replace Timothy J Roemer, who
resigned from his post in April 2011 following a two-year
stint as US envoy to India, after going through a confirmation
process by the Senate. Peter Burleigh is currently serving as
the Charge d`affaires of the US embassy in India.
Powell, a career member of the Senior Foreign Service,
earlier served as US ambassador to Pakistan and Nepal and also
held various diplomatic posts in Kolkata, New Delhi, Dhaka,
Kathmandu, Islamabad and Ottawa.
"These fine public servants both bring a depth of
experience and tremendous dedication to their new roles,"
Obama said in a statement announcing Powell`s appointment and
that of Dick Berner, who has been named Director, Office of
Financial Research, Department of Treasury.
"Our nation will be well-served by these individuals, and
I look forward to working with them in the months and years to
come," he said.
Presently serving as Director General of the Foreign
Service and Director of Human Resources at the Department of
State, Powell was conferred the personal rank of Career
Ambassador in January 2011.
Prior to her current assignment, Powell served as
Ambassador to Nepal (2007-2009), Ambassador to Pakistan
(2002-2004), Ambassador to Ghana (2001-2002), and Ambassador
to Uganda (1997-1999).
PTI
