Brian A. Nichols facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Brian Nichols
|
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| 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 | Michael G. Kozak |
| 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. He worked for the United States government for 36 years, serving in important roles like the Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs. He also represented the U.S. as an Ambassador in other countries. Nichols retired from his long career in diplomacy on December 31, 2024.
Contents
Brian Nichols' Diplomatic Career
Brian Nichols had a long and successful career working for the U.S. State Department. He served as an ambassador in two different countries before taking on a very important role in Washington, D.C.
Serving as Ambassador to Peru
From 2014 to 2017, Brian Nichols was the United States Ambassador to Peru. An ambassador is a country's official representative in another country. His job was to help keep good relationships between the United States and Peru. After his time in Peru, Krishna Urs became the new U.S. Ambassador there.
Serving as Ambassador to Zimbabwe
In 2018, President Donald Trump chose Brian Nichols to be the next U.S. Ambassador to Zimbabwe. The Senate, which is part of the U.S. government, approved his nomination on June 28, 2018. Nichols officially started his role on July 19, 2018, when he presented his credentials to President Emmerson Mnangagwa of Zimbabwe.
During his time in Zimbabwe, there were moments when the Zimbabwean government expressed concerns about comments made by U.S. officials. For example, in 2020, he was called to discuss statements made by a U.S. advisor. Later that year, he faced criticism from Zimbabwe's ruling party regarding accusations that he was helping people organize protests.
Working with 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 is a very important job where he would help manage relationships between the U.S. and countries in North, Central, and South America, as well as the Caribbean. The Senate confirmed his nomination on September 13, 2021.
In this role, Nichols continued to work on important diplomatic issues. For instance, in February 2023, he encouraged Peru's government to resolve a political situation quickly. Brian Nichols completed his 36 years of service with the Foreign Service and retired on December 31, 2024.
Awards and Recognition
Throughout his career, Brian Nichols received several honors for his work:
- He was awarded the Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Sun of Peru, which is a high honor from Peru.
- He received two Presidential Meritorious Service Awards, which recognize excellent service to the U.S. government.
- In 2016, he won the Charles E. Cobb, Jr. Award for his success in helping develop trade.
About Brian Nichols' Family
Brian Nichols is married to Geraldine Kam, and they have two daughters. He also speaks Spanish, which is very helpful in his diplomatic work, especially in Latin American countries.
See also
In Spanish: Brian A. Nichols para niños
- List of current ambassadors of the United States
