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: Kingdom of Bahrain
CANDIDATE: Justin Hicks Siberell
Justin Hicks Siberell, a career member of the Senior Foreign Service, class of Minister-Counselor, is currently the Acting Coordinator for Counterterrorism, U.S. Department of State, a position he has held since 2016. Through six postings in the Middle East, Mr. Siberell has developed a deep knowledge of the Gulf States and critical U.S. interests in the region. Known for his leadership and management expertise, he has led large, diverse organizations in Washington and abroad and has a record of accomplishment in creating unified, resilient teams that deliver superior performance, particularly in regards to counterterrorism policy and cooperation. He has also had considerable success promoting U.S. exports and finding new opportunities for American business overseas. His abilities make him an excellent candidate for U.S. Ambassador to Bahrain.
Previously, Mr. Siberell served in the Department of State as Principal Deputy Coordinator, Bureau of Counterterrorism (2014-2016) and Deputy Coordinator for Regional Affairs, Bureau of Counterterrorism (2012-2014). Abroad, he was Principal Officer, U.S. Consulate General, Dubai, United Arab Emirates, (2009-2012), Political Officer, U.S. Embassy Baghdad, Iraq (2008-2009), Consul, American Presence Officer, Alexandria, Egypt (2005-2008) and Press/Information Officer, U.S. Embassy Amman, Jordan (2002-2005). He was Executive Assistant, National Security Council, Washington, D.C., (2000-2001), Iran Desk Officer, Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs, Department of State (1998-2000) and Watch Officer/Line Officer, Executive Secretariat, Department of State (1997-1998). He also served as Political/Economic Officer, U.S. Consulate General, Dubai, United Arab Emirates and Consular/Political Officer, U.S. Embassy Panama City, Panama. Prior to joining the Foreign Service he worked in retail sales, as a Program Assistant, Meridian International Center, Washington, D.C. and as a Firefighter for the U.S. Forest Service.
Mr. Siberell earned a B.A from the University of California at Berkeley in 1988. He is the recipient of eight notable senior State Department awards. He speaks Arabic and Spanish.