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: Holy See
CANDIDATE: Callista L. Gingrich
Callista L. Gingrich is the President and CEO of Gingrich Productions, a multimedia production and consulting company in Arlington, Virginia. Mrs. Gingrich is also the author of the New York Times bestselling Ellis the Elephant children’s series and co-author of Rediscovering God in America. In addition to writing, Mrs. Gingrich, produces and hosts historical and public policy documentary films. Along with key Church leaders in the United States, Poland, and the Vatican, Mrs. Gingrich produced and hosted, Nine Days that Changed the World, about Pope John Paul II’s historic 1979 pilgrimage to Poland. This film has been very well received by the Catholic Church and is used in religious education programs throughout the United States. Recently Mrs. Gingrich produced and hosted a documentary film entitled, Divine Mercy: The Canonization of John Paul II. Mrs. Gingrich’s understanding of the Catholic Church, her considerable experience in government and business, and her ability to communicate effectively make her well-qualified to serve as the United States Ambassador to the Holy See.
Prior to leading Gingrich Productions, Mrs. Gingrich served as a congressional aide in the U.S. House of Representatives. She worked on the House Committee on Agriculture (1995-2007), and in the Office of Congressman Steve Gunderson (R-WI) (1988-2007). A lifelong Catholic, Mrs. Gingrich has a deep appreciation for the Catholic Church. Active in her faith community, she has sung for over 20 years at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C. Mrs. Gingrich is also the President of The Gingrich Foundation, dedicated to supporting charitable causes and preserving American history.
Mrs. Gingrich earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree and graduated Cum Laude from Luther College in Decorah, Iowa in 1988. While at Luther, Mrs. Gingrich was a member of Pi Kappa Lambda (music honor society) and a Regents Scholar.