Marc Dillard has been appointed as the acting U.S. Ambassador to Kenya, succeeding Meg Whitman, who resigned on November 13, 2024.
Whitman resigned from her position following Donald Trump’s win in the 2024 United States presidential elections.
Dillard, a career diplomat and member of the Senior Foreign Service has extensive experience in various diplomatic roles since joining the State Department in 1998.
Education
Dillard holds a Bachelor’s degree in History from Duke University and a Ph.D. in Political Economy and Public Policy from the University of Southern California.
Career
Dillard began his distinguished career in the U.S. Foreign Service in 1998, and has gained extensive experience in various roles that have significantly shaped his contributions to U.S. foreign policy.
Currently, he serves as the Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi, a position he has held since August 2022.
In this role, Dillard acts as the second-in-command, overseeing the embassy’s operations, supporting U.S.-Kenya relations, and managing various diplomatic initiatives.
Before his current position, Dillard was the Director of Economic Policy Analysis and Public Diplomacy, where he focused on economic issues and public diplomacy strategies aimed at enhancing the U.S. image abroad while promoting American economic interests.
He also served as the Counselor for Political and Economic Affairs at the U.S. Embassy in Sofia, Bulgaria.
In this capacity, he was involved in high-level discussions on political and economic matters between the U.S. and Bulgaria, playing a crucial role in fostering bilateral relations.
Dillard’s career has included multiple assignments across Africa, Japan, and Korea.
His work has involved engaging with local governments on trade and investment issues, promoting U.S. interests in regional security, and supporting development programs aimed at improving economic conditions in these regions.
Awards and recognitions
Dillard is a recipient of several Superior Honor Awards and Meritorious Honor Awards from the State Department, which acknowledge his exceptional service and contributions in various diplomatic roles.
His exemplary service has been recognized across his extensive postings, including his recent role at the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi and previous positions in Budapest, Sofia, and other international locations.
