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: Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste
CANDIDATE: Kathleen M. Fitzpatrick
Kathleen M. Fitzpatrick, a career member of the Senior Foreign Service, class of Minister-Counselor, is currently the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Intelligence and Research, Department of State, a post she has held since 2014. Having held five senior level Deputy Assistant Secretary or Office Director posts at the State Department and key posts overseas, Ms. Fitzpatrick is known for her leadership and language skills, extensive experience promoting human rights and democracy, expertise in leading interagency teams and management of complex issues. Her abilities make her an excellent candidate for U.S. Ambassador to Timor-Leste.
Previously, Ms. Fitzpatrick served at the State Department as Chief of Staff, Office of Under Secretary for Civilian Security, Democracy and Human Rights (2012-2014), Deputy Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor (2010-2012) and Director, Office of Southern European Affairs, Bureau of European Affairs (2007-2010). She was Counselor for Political Affairs, U.S. Embassy Madrid, Spain (2003-2007). Again at the State Department she served as Director, Office of Nordic and Baltic Affairs, Bureau of European Affairs (2001-2003) and Deputy Director, Office of Regional Security and Arms Transfers, Bureau of Political Military Affairs (1999-2001).
She was Political Officer, US Mission to NATO, Brussels, Belgium (1995-1998) and Political Officer, US Embassy Moscow, Russia (1993-1995). She also served in the Bureau of International Organization Affairs, the Office of Maghreb Affairs in Bureau of Near East Affairs, the Executive Secretariat Operations Center and at U.S. Consulate General Antwerp, Belgium. As a graduate student, she became a Civil Service employee of the State Department before joining the Foreign Service.
Ms. Fitzpatrick earned a M.S. from the U.S. National War College, Washington, D.C. in 1999, a M.A from Georgetown University, Washington, D.C. in 1980 and a B.A. from University of Dayton, Dayton, Ohio in 1978. She is the recipient of 16 notable senior State Department awards, including the Presidential Rank Award (Meritorious Service). She speaks Spanish, French, Russian, Arabic and Dutch.