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: Republic of Yemen
CANDIDATE: Christopher Paul Henzel
Christopher Paul Henzel, a career member of the Senior Foreign Service, class of Minister-Counselor, is currently Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, a position he has held since 2016. Previously, he was Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy in Manama, Bahrain (2007 – 2010). During more than 30 years in the Foreign Service, Mr. Henzel has had numerous assignments in the Near East, and in Washington working on Near East issues. He is known for his experience in the region, leadership of multi-agency teams, and managing people and resources in high-threat environments. He has a strong understanding of our relations with the countries of the Arabian peninsula and the dynamics of the broader region.
Mr. Henzel served the Department of State as Director of the Office of Israel and Palestinian Affairs (2013 – 2016), Director of the Office of Near East Regional and Multilateral Affairs, (2011 – 2013), head of the Ninewa Province Reconstruction Team in Mosul, Iraq (2010 – 2011), Counselor for Political Affairs, U.S. Embassy Amman, Jordan (2004 – 2007), and Deputy Director, Office of Egyptian and North African Affairs (2001 – 2003). He was also Economic and Commercial Officer in the Office of Egyptian and North African Affairs (1999 – 2001), Consul, U.S. Embassy Sanaa, Yemen (1997 – 1999), an Arabic language student in the U.S. and in Tunisia (1995 – 1997), Desk Officer for Iran (1993 – 1995), a watch officer in the Operations Center (1992 – 1993), Consul, U.S. Consulate General, Lahore, Pakistan (1990 – 1992), Vice Consul, U.S. Consulate, Merida, Mexico (1988 – 1990) and a junior officer at the U.S. Embassy in Riyadh (1985 – 1987).
Mr. Henzel earned a B.A. from the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, Massachusetts, and an M.S. from the National War College. He is the recipient of ten State Department awards, as well as the U.S. Army’s Superior Civilian Service Award. Mr. Henzel speaks Arabic, Spanish and German.