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: Mongolia
CANDIDATE: Michael S. Klecheski
Michael S. Klecheski, a career member of the Senior Foreign Service, class of Minister-Counselor, is currently Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy in Manila, Philippines, a position he has held since 2015. He was also Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy in Astana, Kazakhstan (2013-2015). With over 30 years of diplomatic experience in Asia and Europe, Mr. Klecheski has extensive experience in economic development and democratization, as well as building and supporting strong teams with high morale in difficult environments, such as in Iraq where he was a Provincial Reconstruction Team Leader. His leadership, management skills and knowledge make him an excellent candidate for U.S. Ambassador to Mongolia.
Mr. Klecheski also served the Department of State as Political Counselor, U.S. Embassy Moscow, Russia (2011-2013), Economic Officer, U.S. Embassy Moscow, Russia (2010-2011), Team Leader, Provincial Reconstruction Team, Diwaniyah, Iraq (2009-2010), Political Counselor, U.S. Mission Geneva, Switzerland (2007-2009) and Director (and Acting Senior Director), National Security Council, The White House (2006-2007). He was Political Internal Unit Chief, U.S. Embassy Moscow, Russia (2003-2006), Deputy Principal Officer, U.S. Consulate, St. Petersburg, Russia (2000-2003), Senior Watch Officer, Operations Center (1999-2000), Political Officer, U.S. Embassy Manila, Philippines (1996-1999) and Political/Economic Officer, U.S. Consulate Krakow, Poland (1992-1995). In addition, he served as NATO Desk Officer (1990-1992), Member of the Nuclear Risk Reduction Center (1989-1990), Staff Aide/Political Officer, U.S. Embassy Moscow, Russia (1987-1989) and Consular Officer, U.S. Embassy Manila, Philippines (1985-1987). Before joining the Foreign Service, he was a Researcher at RAND Corporation in Santa Monica, California.
Mr. Klecheski earned a B.S.F.S. from Georgetown University and a M.A. and MPhil from Columbia University. He is the recipient of 12 notable awards from the State Department, including the Expeditionary Service Award. He speaks Russian, Polish, French and Tagalog.