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 Benin
CANDIDATE: Patricia Alice Mahoney
Patricia Mahoney, a career member of the Senior Foreign Service, class of Minister-Counselor, current serves as an Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary in the Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs in the Department of State. Previously, she was the Office Director, Office of Mainland Southeast Asia, Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs, Department of State (2016 – 2018). Her most recent leadership position in the field was a Deputy Chief of Mission of the American Embassy in Kampala, Uganda, where we have a complex bilateral relationship with a very important African partner (2013-2016). Ms. Mahoney also served as Director for South Asia at the National Security Council (2006 – 2008) and the National War College (2008 -2009). As a leader, Ms. Mahoney builds strong and cohesive teams. She mentors effectively, acts decisively and models integrity in all she does. These qualities, coupled with strong policy making skills (buttressed by experience at seven diplomatic posts overseas and leadership jobs in Washington), make her an excellent candidate for Ambassador to Benin.
Ms. Mahoney’s other assignments include Deputy Chief of Mission, American Embassy, Kathmandu, Nepal (2010 – 2013), Deputy Director, Office of India, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh Affairs, Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs, Affairs (2009 – 2010) , Political Chief, U.S. Embassy, Colombo, Sri Lanka (2004 – 2006) and Political and Economic Chief, U.S. Embassy Kathmandu, Nepal (2001 – 2004).
Ms. Mahoney earned her B.A. cum laude from Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts in 1981 and her M.A. from the University of Hawaii in 1988. She is a Distinguished Graduate of the National War College in Washington, D.C., receiving an M.S. degree in 2009. Ms. Mahoney speaks French, Thai, Nepali and Lao. She is the recipient of several notable State Department awards.