Ambassador Michael Raynor arrives in Ethiopia

Michael Raynor is the newly appointed US Ambassador to Ehiopia

Addis Ababa, September 29, 2017 (FBC) – The newly appointed US Ambassador to Ethiopia, Michael Raynor, said he will do everything he can to strengthen the friendship between Ethiopia and his country.

In recorded video message to the Ethiopian people introducing himself and his priorities as Ambassador, he said, “My focus will be on building prosperity, improving education and health, strengthening governance and democratic institutions, and promoting regional peace. I will also do everything I can to deepen the enduring friendship between our nations and people.”
 
“Together we can strengthen the dynamic partnership between the United States and Ethiopia, while helping Ethiopia achieve its fullest potential,” he added.
 

Ambassador Raynor further said, “I have a deep appreciation for Ethiopia’s history and role on the continent.”

Biography

Mike Raynor joined the State Department in 1988, and is a career member of the Senior Foreign Service with the rank of Minister Counselor. 

He has been Director of the Bureau of Human Resources’ Office of Career Development and Assignments since September 2016. 

From August 2015 to August 2016, he served as Assistant Chief of Mission in Kabul, with responsibility for the embassy’s foreign assistance, counter-narcotics, and law enforcement portfolios as well as its consular, management, and security functions. 

He served as the U.S. Ambassador to Benin from 2012 to 2015. From 2010 to 2012, he served as Executive Director of the Bureau of African Affairs, following two years as the Deputy Executive Director. 

He has spent much of his career in Africa, including as management officer in Harare, Windhoek, Conakry, and Djibouti, and as General Services Officer in Brazzaville. 

He also served as Zimbabwe desk officer in the Bureau of African Affairs, Special Assistant and Legislative Management Officer in the Bureau of Legislative Affairs, and Consular Officer in Luxembourg. 

His State Department awards include the 2008 Leamon R. Hunt Award for Management Excellence, several Senior Foreign Service Performance awards, and numerous Superior and Meritorious Honor awards. 

He has a B.A. in International Affairs from Lafayette College and a Master’s in International Affairs from Columbia University. 

Sources: FBC