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: Federal Republic of Germany
CANDIDATE: Richard Allen Grenell
Richard Allen Grenell, a foreign policy communications specialist, writer and commentator, is the Founding Partner of Capitol Media Partners. He has served as the primary communications adviser for public officials at the local, state, federal, and international levels, as well as for a Fortune 300 ranked company. Mr. Grenell has worked extensively with clients based in the U.S. as well as around the world and throughout Europe. He has been a Fox News Foreign Policy Contributor and frequently writes and comments on foreign affairs for a variety of news outlets. Mr. Grenell’s leadership, management expertise, knowledge of governance and highly developed communication skills make him an excellent candidate for Ambassador to Germany.
Mr. Grenell is the longest serving U.S. spokesman in history at the United Nations in New York (2001-2008), where he was part of the negotiation team with the German delegation on a myriad of global issues, including Iran and North Korea sanctions, UN reform and peacekeeping operations. Previously, Mr. Grenell served as Senior Vice President of Corporate Communications for DaVita, El Segundo, California (2008-2009), Press Secretary, Mayor of San Diego, California (1998-2000), Press Secretary, State of New York Division of Lottery, Albany, New York (1995-1997), Press Secretary, House of Representatives, Washington, D.C. (1993-1995), Assistant, Campaign Division, National Republican Congressional Committee, Washington, D.C. (1993), Coalitions Coordinator for the Bush-Quayle Re-election campaign, Washington, D.C. (1992) and Administrator, American Arbitration Association (1989-1991).
Mr. Grenell earned a B.A. from Evangel College (now University) and a M.P.A. from Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government. He received a Superior Honor Award from the Department of State and speaks basic Spanish.