REPORT FOR THE COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN RELATIONS
UNITED STATES SENATE
SUBJECT: Ambassadorial Nomination: Certificate of Demonstrated Competence — Foreign Service Act, Section 304(a)(4)
POST: People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria
CANDIDATE: John P. Desrocher
John P. Desrocher, a career member of the Senior Foreign Service, class of Minister-Counselor, is currently Deputy Assistant Secretary for Egypt and Maghreb Affairs, Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs, Department of State, a position he has held since 2014. A former Deputy Chief of Mission and Consul General overseas, and senior State Department official in Washington, Mr. Desrocher is known for his economic acumen, leadership and ability to manage people and resources in high-threat environments. He has a strong understanding of our relations with Algeria and the dynamics of the North Africa and Middle East regions.
Previously, Mr. Desrocher served as Deputy Chief of Mission, U.S. Embassy Baghdad, Iraq (2013-2014), Director, Office of Iraq Affairs, Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs, Department of State (2010-2013), Minister Counselor for Economic Coordination, U.S. Embassy Baghdad, Iraq (2009-2010), Consul General, U.S. Consulate General Auckland, New Zealand (2006-2009) and Counselor for Economic and Political Affairs, U.S. Embassy Cairo, Egypt (2003-2006). He was also Economic Officer, Office of European Union and Regional Affairs, Bureau of European Affairs, Department of State (2001-2003) and served a detail assignment at the Office of Services, Investment, and Intellectual Property, Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (2000 -2001). He was Economic Officer, Consulate General Jerusalem (1997-2000), Desk Officer for Iraq, Office of Northern Gulf Affairs, Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs, Department of State (1994-1996), Watch Officer, Operations Center, Department of State (1993-1994), Economic Officer, U.S. Embassy Bonn, German (1991-1993) and Consular Officer, U.S. Embassy Monrovia, Liberia (1988-1990). Before joining the Foreign Service, he worked for the Maryland National Bank.
Mr. Desrocher earned a B.S. from Georgetown University School of Foreign Service. He is the recipient of 13 notable senior State Department awards. He speaks French, German and basic Arabic.