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 Zimbabwe
CANDIDATE:Brian A. Nichols
Brian A. Nichols, a career member of the Senior Foreign Service, class of Career Minister, is currently a Senior Advisor in the Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs.Previously, he was the U.S. Ambassador to Peru (2014-2017).Mr. Nichols is a 29-year Foreign Service veteran with experience overseas and domestically in five different bureaus.He has served as Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary (2011-2013) and Deputy Assistant Secretary (2010-2011) in the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs and as Deputy Chief of Mission at the US. Embassy in Bogota, Colombia (2007-2010).During his career, he has successfully promoted democratic transitions, advanced American investment and trade, negotiated multilateral agreements, combatted transnational organized crime, and advanced the respect for human rights.His ability to manage large inter-agency teams in difficult environments, to motivate his staff to high levels of performance, and to lead by disciplined example make him an excellent candidate for U.S. Ambassador to Zimbabwe.
Mr. Nichols also served as Director of the Office of Caribbean Affairs (2004-2007), Political Counselor in Jakarta, Indonesia (2001-2004), Political Officer in Mexico City (1998-2001), International Relations Officer in the Office of United Nations Political Affairs (1996-1998), El Salvador Desk Officer in the Office of Central American Affairs (1994-1996), Staff Officer in the Executive Secretariat (1993-1994), Political Officer in San Salvador, El Salvador (1991-1993), and Consular Officer in Lima, Peru (1989-1991).
Mr. Nichols earned a B.S. from Tufts University.He is the recipient of 20 notable State Department Awards, including a Presidential Award for Meritorious Service and the Charles E. Cobb, Jr. Award for Trade Development.He is fluent in Spanish.