Vernelle FitzPatrick explained

Vernelle Trim FitzPatrick
Ambassador From:	United States
Country:	Gabon
President:	Joe Biden
Term Start:	January 26, 2024
Predecessor:	David G. Mosby (Chargé d'Affaires)
Nationality:	American
Education:	Davidson College (BA) George Washington University (Master's degree)

Vernelle Trim FitzPatrick is an American diplomat who is serving as the United States ambassador to Gabon.^[1]

Early life and education

FitzPatrick earned her bachelor's degree from Davidson College and her master's degree from George Washington University in Washington, D.C.

Career

FitzPatrick is a career member of the Senior Foreign Service, with the rank of Counselor. Currently, she serves as Office Director for the Office of Assistance to Africa in the Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration at the United States Department of State in Washington, D.C. Previously, FitzPatrick served as the Deputy Chief of Mission of the U.S. Embassy in Yaoundé, Cameroon^[2] and before this assignment, she served as Acting Deputy Director for the Office of Central African Affairs in the Bureau of African Affairs at the State Department. She also has served as deputy director for the Office of West African Affairs in the Bureau of African Affairs. FitzPatrick has also served as an Ethiopia Desk Officer in the Office of East African Affairs and held positions as the Political Section Chief at the U.S. Embassy in Accra, Ghana, as well as a Political Officer at the U.S. Embassy in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina.

U.S. ambassadorship nomination

On February 27, 2023, President Joe Biden nominated FitzPatrick to be the next ambassador to Gabon. Hearings on her nomination were held before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on June 21, 2023. On July 13, 2023, her nomination was favorably reported out of committee. On November 29, 2023, her nomination was confirmed by United States Senate by voice vote.^[3] She was sworn into office on January 12, 2024.^[4] She arrived in Gabon on January 16, 2024.^[5] She presented her credentials to Transitional President of Gabon Brice Oligui on January 26, 2024.^[6]

Personal life

Her languages include French and Spanish.

Works and Events

FitzPatrick participated in a discussion roundtable that centered around women refugees in Africa and how to promote peace.^[7]

Notes and References

1. Web site: President Biden Announces Key Nominees . The White House . 29 April 2023 . 27 February 2023.
2. Web site: Fin de mission : l’ambassadeur Peter Henry Barlerin sera remplacé en Juillet 2020 par son adjointe Vernelle Trim Fitzpatrick . Actu Cameroun . 25 July 2023.
3. Web site: PN374 — Vernelle Trim FitzPatrick — Department of State 118th Congress (2023-2024) . US Congress . November 29, 2023.
4. Mrs. Vernelle Trim FitzPatrick Sworn In as the New U.S. Ambassador to Gabon . January 12, 2024 . U.S. Embassy in Gabon . January 21, 2024.
5. Ambassador Vernelle Trim FitzPatrick Arrives in Gabon to Strengthen Bilateral Relations . January 17, 2024 . U.S. Embassy in Gabon . January 21, 2024.
6. 1750849764483063901 . usembassygabon . L'Ambassadeur Vernelle Trim FitzPatrick a présenté ses lettres de créance au Président de la Transition Oligui Nguema. Elle a déclaré : « Je suis très heureuse d'être dans le magnifique Gabon. J'ai hâte de promouvoir des liens solides entre les États-Unis et le peuple gabonais.» . January 26, 2024 . January 26, 2024.
7. Web site: Refugee Women’s Inclusion in Peace Agreements and Peacebuilding in Africa: Challenges and Opportunities Wilson Center . www.wilsoncenter.org . 25 July 2023 . en.