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 Madagascar and the Union of the Comoros
CANDIDATE: Michael Peter Pelletier
Michael Peter Pelletier, a career member of the Senior Foreign Service, class of Minister-Counselor, is currently Dean of the School of Professional and Area Studies at the State Department’s Foreign Service Institute, a position he has held since 2016. A former Deputy Chief of Mission and Deputy Assistant Secretary in the State Department with over 30 years of experience in the Foreign Service, he has broad familiarity with Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia. Known for his leadership and mentoring, he has deep regional knowledge, proven public outreach skills in English, French, and Arabic, and demonstrated management ability. His skills and experience make him an excellent candidate for U.S. Ambassador to Madagascar and the Comoros.
Previously in the Department of State and the former U.S. Information Agency (USIA), Mr. Pelletier served as Deputy Chief of Mission, U.S. Embassy New Delhi, India (2013-2016), Deputy Assistant Secretary of State, Bureau of African Affairs (2012-2013), Public Affairs Officer, U.S. Embassy New Delhi, India (2009-2012), and Arabic Media Hub Director, U.S. Consulate General Dubai, UAE (2006-2009). He was also Public Affairs Officer, U.S. Embassy Amman, Jordan (2005-2006), Public Affairs Officer, U.S. Embassy Dakar, Senegal (2001-2004), Assistant Cultural Affairs Officer, U.S. Embassy Cairo, Egypt (1999-2001), Congressional Liaison Officer, Office of Congressional Liaison, USIA (1996-1997), and APSA Congressional Fellow, Office of Senator Jeffords, (1995-1996). He also served in public diplomacy capacities at U.S. Missions in Bamako, Mali, Kaduna, Nigeria, Chennai, India, and Dakar, Senegal.
Mr. Pelletier earned a B.S.F.S. from Georgetown University, a Certificat d’Etudes Politiques from Institut d’Etudes Politiques, Paris, France, and a M.I.A. from Columbia University School of International and Public Affairs. He is the recipient of 13 senior State Department awards, including a Presidential Meritorious Service Award and the Linguist of the Year Award. He speaks French and Arabic.