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: Central African Republic
CANDIDATE: Lucy Tamlyn
Lucy Tamlyn, a career member of the Senior Foreign Service, class of Minister-Counselor, is currently the U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Benin, a position she has held since 2015. During 36 years in the Foreign Service, she has also served as Deputy Chief of Mission in Portugal (2011-2013) and in Chad (2005-2008). With additional broad experience at U.S. Missions to the United Nations and its specialized agencies, as Economic Counselor at the U.S. Mission to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (2009-2010) and as a Provincial Reconstruction Leader in Erbil, Iraq (2008-2009), she has demonstrated her ability to lead and manage U.S Missions overseas as well as a strong background in economics, development, crisis management and regional expertise. Her skills and experience make her an excellent candidate for U.S. Ambassador to the Central African Republic.
Ambassador Tamlyn also served the Department of State as Director, Office of the Special Envoy for Sudan and South Sudan, Bureau of African Affairs (2013-2015), Alternate Permanent Representative, Deputy Director, ECOSOC Section, U.S. Mission to the UN, New York (2003-2005), Alternate Permanent Representative, U.S. Mission to the UN Agencies for Food and Agriculture, Rome, Italy (2000-2003) and Political Officer, U.S. Consulate Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (1997-2000). She was Alternate Permanent Representative, U.S. Mission to the United Nations, New York (1995-1997), International Relations Officer, Bureau of Economic &Business Affairs (1993-1995), Economic/Commercial Officer, U.S. Embassy Maputo, Mozambique (1990-1992) and Alternate Permanent Representative, U.S. Mission to the UN Agencies in Vienna, Austria (1987-1990). She was enrolled in Economics Training at the Foreign Service Institute (1986-1987). She also served as International Relations Officer, Bureau of International Organization Affairs and Vice Consul, U.S. Embassy Bogota, Colombia.
Ambassador Tamlyn earned a B.A. from St. John’s College, Annapolis, Maryland and a M.A from Columbia University School of International Affairs. She is the recipient of notable State Department awards, including the Secretary’s Award for Expeditionary Service. Ambassador Tamlyn speaks French and Portuguese.