President George Bush has nominated John Cloud to be the next U.S. Ambassador to Lithuania. He is currently the Deputy Chief of Mission at the US Embassy in Berlin and has a great reputation, especially on economic issues. His Senate confirmation hearing is expected to be on May 17. Mr. Cloud’s biography follows:
John A. Cloud
John A. Cloud, has been serving as the Deputy Chief of Mission at the United States Embassy in Berlin since July 11, 2003. He served as Chargé d’Affaires ad interim upon the departure of Ambassador Daniel R. Coats on February 28, 2005 until Ambassador Timken presented his credentials to President Koehler on September 2, 2005.
Mr. Cloud served as Special Assistant to the President and Senior Director for International Economic Affairs on the National Security Council staff from 2001 – 2003. While on the NSC staff, Mr. Cloud was responsible for international economic issues and for interagency coordination of this policy. He has worked closely on all European Union-related issues and has also supported the U.S. Sherpa on G-7/G-8 issues.
Mr. Cloud was Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Mission to the European Union from 1999 to 2001. From 1996 to 1999, Mr. Cloud served as the Deputy Chief of Mission at the American Embassy in Warsaw, Poland. From 1991 to 1995, Mr. Cloud was the Economic Counselor at the American Embassy in Bonn, Germany. He served at the State Department from 1988 to 1991 and had earlier assignments in Mexico City and Warsaw. Mr. Cloud has received the State Department’s Superior Honor Award three times.
Mr. Cloud received his B.A. from the University of Connecticut in 1975, and a Masters in International Affairs from George Washington University in 1977. Mr. Cloud is married and has two children.