Office of the Chief of Protocol
Capricia Penavic Marshall was sworn in as Chief of Protocol of the United States, with the rank of Ambassador, on August 3, 2009.
As the Chief of Protocol, Ambassador Marshall leads the Office of Protocol in its mission to advance the foreign policy of the Obama Administration by creating and fostering an environment for successful diplomacy. As the first hand that welcomes Kings, Queens, Presidents and Prime Ministers to the United States, Ambassador Marshall serves on the front lines of diplomatic engagement building bridges and fostering understanding between people and governments.
Today, the Office of the Chief of Protocol creates the framework for diplomacy through the work of the divisions and units displayed below. We invite you to learn more by exploring this webpage and please sign up on the left to be added to our email list. Read more»
Blair House
The Office of the Chief of Protocol maintains and manages one of our nation's greatest historical treasures Blair House, the official guesthouse of the President. |
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Ceremonials
Working with style, elegance and an acute attention to detail, the Ceremonials Division plans, executes and supports a wide range of ceremonial and official functions hosted by the President, Vice President, Secretary of State, and other high-ranking United States Government officials.
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Diplomatic Affairs
The Diplomatic Affairs division oversees the accreditation of foreign Ambassadors and assists the Chief of Protocol in her capacity as the President's personal representative and liaison to foreign Ambassadors in Washington.
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Diplomatic Partnerships
Through the exchange of ideas, cultures, and traditions, Diplomatic Partnerships builds upon the Administration's efforts to foster international goodwill and provide the Diplomatic Community with greater understanding of the people, customs, and institutions of the United States.
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Gifts
The Office of the Chief of Protocol works closely with the staffs of the President, the First Lady, the Vice President and the Secretary of State, to select gifts for foreign dignitaries.
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Management
The Management Division is under the direction and supervision of the Executive Director of the Office of the Chief of Protocol, who also serves as the Assistant Chief of Protocol for Management. The Management Division administers the human resources, financial, information management systems, security, and general services sections, and provides guidance and support to all divisions of the Office of the Chief of Protocol.
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Visits
From arrival to departure, the Visits Division plans, arranges and executes detailed programs for visiting Chiefs of State and Heads of Government.
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