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Brian Nichols
Brian A. Nichols official photo.jpg
Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs
In office
September 15, 2021 – December 31, 2024
President Joe Biden
Preceded by Ricardo Zúñiga (acting)
Succeeded by TBD
United States Ambassador to Zimbabwe
In office
July 19, 2018 – September 14, 2021
President Donald Trump
Joe Biden
Preceded by Harry K. Thomas Jr.
Succeeded by Pamela Tremont
United States Ambassador to Peru
In office
July 3, 2014 – October 13, 2017
President Barack Obama
Donald Trump
Preceded by Rose Likins
Succeeded by Krishna Urs
Personal details
Born 1965 (age 59–60)
Education Tufts University (BA)

Brian Andrew Nichols (born in 1965 in Providence, Rhode Island) is an American diplomat. A diplomat is someone who represents their country in other nations. Brian Nichols currently works as the Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs. This means he helps manage the United States' relationships with countries in North, Central, and South America, as well as the Caribbean.

Before this role, he served as the United States Ambassador to Peru from 2014 to 2017. He was also the U.S. Ambassador to Zimbabwe from 2018 to 2021.

Brian Nichols' Work as an Ambassador

During his career at the State Department, Brian Nichols served as an ambassador in two different countries. An ambassador is the highest-ranking diplomat who represents their country in another nation.

Ambassador to Peru

Brian Nichols was the United States Ambassador to Peru from 2014 until 2017. During this time, he worked to strengthen the relationship between the United States and Peru. After his time in Peru, Krishna Urs took over the role.

Ambassador to Zimbabwe

In June 2018, President Donald Trump chose Brian Nichols to be the next U.S. Ambassador to Zimbabwe. The Senate confirmed his nomination on June 28, 2018. He officially started his role on July 19, 2018, when he presented his credentials to President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

While he was in Zimbabwe, there were some disagreements between the United States and Zimbabwe. In July 2020, Brian Nichols faced criticism from Zimbabwe's ruling party. This happened after he was accused of supporting groups planning protests against President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

Working for the Biden Administration

On March 26, 2021, President Joe Biden announced that he wanted Brian Nichols to become the Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs. This important role involves managing diplomatic relations across the Americas. His nomination was confirmed by the Senate on September 13, 2021.

In February 2023, Brian Nichols spoke about the political situation in Peru. He encouraged Peru's Congress to hold elections sooner and for the president to help end the country's political challenges. This led to some discussion in Peru and from Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador.

Brian Nichols plans to retire from the Foreign Service on December 31, 2024. He will have served his country for 36 years.

Awards and Recognition

Brian Nichols has received several honors for his work as a diplomat:

  • Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Sun of Peru: This is a high honor given by the government of Peru.
  • Two Presidential Meritorious Service Awards: These awards recognize excellent service to the United States.
  • 2016 Charles E. Cobb, Jr. Award for Initiative and Success in Trade Development: This award highlights his efforts in improving trade.

About Brian Nichols' Family

Brian Nichols is married to Geraldine Kam. They have two daughters. He also speaks Spanish.

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Brian A. Nichols para niños

  • List of current ambassadors of the United States
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