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 South Africa
CANDIDATE: Lana J. Marks
Lana J. Marks is a prominent American businesswoman and fashion designer who founded and has been CEO of Lana Marks Ltd., Inc. of Palm Beach, Florida since 1987. Her company designs and produces sought-after luxury fashion accessories for the global market, operating throughout the United States and across Europe, Asia and the Middle East. Ms. Marks has been actively involved in international affairs, traveling the world on behalf of her company and interacting with numerous international business leaders. A skilled leader and manager, she has developed a deep understanding of international manufacturing, marketing and sales, as well as the intricacies of cross-border and cross-cultural negotiations. South African-born, she possesses a deep knowledge of South Africa and its diverse peoples, cultures, languages, customs, and politics. Ms. Marks’ skills, knowledge and accomplishments make her well qualified to serve as the U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of South Africa.
Ms. Marks has been active in promoting wide-reaching global issues and non-profit organizations. She has campaigned for women’s welfare around the world, serving on the Harvard Kennedy School’s Women’s Leadership Board and the Women’s International Forum for over a decade and attending multiple foreign summits of leading businesswomen.
Ms. Marks attended the University of the Witwatersrand and the Institute of Personnel Management in Johannesburg, South Africa. She has received multiple awards for her business acumen and products. Ms. Marks speaks Afrikaans and Xhosa.