Clarence Steven McGann facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Clarence Steven McGann
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| United States Ambassador to Fiji | |
| In office October 8, 2008 – October 12, 2011 |
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| President | George W. Bush Barack Obama |
| Preceded by | Larry Miles Dinger |
| Succeeded by | Frankie A. Reed |
| United States Ambassador to Kiribati | |
| In office October 8, 2008 – October 12, 2011 |
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| President | George W. Bush Barack Obama |
| Preceded by | Larry Miles Dinger |
| Succeeded by | Frankie A. Reed |
| United States Ambassador to Nauru | |
| In office October 8, 2008 – October 12, 2011 |
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| President | George W. Bush Barack Obama |
| Preceded by | Larry Miles Dinger |
| Succeeded by | Frankie A. Reed |
| United States Ambassador to Tonga | |
| In office October 8, 2008 – October 12, 2011 |
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| President | George W. Bush Barack Obama |
| Preceded by | Larry Miles Dinger |
| Succeeded by | Frankie A. Reed |
| United States Ambassador to Tuvalu | |
| In office October 8, 2008 – October 12, 2011 |
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| President | George W. Bush Barack Obama |
| Preceded by | Larry Miles Dinger |
| Succeeded by | Frankie A. Reed |
| Personal details | |
| Born | June 28, 1951 |
| Died | May 25, 2023 (aged 71) |
| Occupation | Diplomat Vice Chancellor |
Clarence Steven McGann (born June 28, 1951 – died May 25, 2023) was an American diplomat. A diplomat is someone who represents their country in other nations. He served as the U.S. Ambassador to several Pacific island countries, including Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, Tonga, and Tuvalu, from 2008 to 2011. He was chosen for this important role by President George W. Bush. He began his duties in October 2008.
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Steven McGann: A Life of Service
Steven McGann dedicated his career to working for the United States government. He held many important roles around the world. His work helped build stronger relationships between the U.S. and other countries.
Serving as an Ambassador
From 2008 to 2011, Ambassador McGann was the official representative of the United States to five Pacific island nations. These were Fiji, Nauru, Kiribati, the Kingdom of Tonga, and Tuvalu.
During his time as ambassador, he worked on several key projects:
- Building Democracy: He helped support fair and open governments.
- Law Enforcement: He improved cooperation between police forces.
- Maritime Security: He worked to keep the oceans safe.
- Helping People: He organized aid for people in need.
- Disaster Response: He helped countries recover after natural disasters.
He also oversaw a big expansion of the U.S. diplomatic presence in the Pacific. This included building the U.S. Embassy in Suva, Fiji, as a main center for the region.
Working Around the World
Before and after his time as ambassador, McGann had many other assignments. He worked in places like Taiwan, Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of Congo), South Africa, Australia, and Kenya.
In 2014, he was the temporary head of the U.S. Embassy in Dili, Timor-Leste. This role is called a Chargé d'Affaires.
Important Roles in Washington, D.C.
Steven McGann also held significant positions in Washington, D.C. These roles helped shape U.S. foreign policy.
Focusing on the Pacific
From 2006 to 2008, he was the Director for Australian, New Zealand, and Pacific Island Affairs. In this job, he worked to make relations with Australia stronger. He also improved coordination with New Zealand.
He started talks that led to "ship-rider agreements" with eight Pacific Island Countries. These agreements allowed the U.S. Coast Guard to work with local authorities. This helped stop illegal fishing and protect the economies of these islands.
Helping Refugees
From 2003 to 2005, McGann was a Director in the Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration. He managed a large amount of money ($370 million) for humanitarian aid. This money went to international groups and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). Their goal was to help people return home and support vulnerable populations across Asia and the Near East.
Work at the United Nations
From 1998 to 2000, he worked at the United States Mission to the United Nations. Here, he helped create important Security Council resolutions. One resolution dealt with financial penalties against certain groups. Another resolution supported Nelson Mandela as a Special Envoy for Burundi. McGann worked directly with Mandela on this mission.
Education and Early Life
Steven McGann was born in New York, New York, on June 28, 1951. He passed away in Arlington, Virginia, on May 25, 2023.
He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Claremont McKenna College in 1973. He also studied at Cornell University from 1975 to 1978. Later, he earned a Master of Science degree from the Industrial College of the Armed Forces in 2003. This college is part of the National Defense University (NDU). He also completed a course at the Naval War College in 2007.
After his time as an ambassador, he continued to work at the National Defense University. He was the Vice Chancellor of the College of International Security Affairs (CISA) from 2011 to 2014. He focused on building global partnerships. He also served as a Senior Advisor at the Dwight D. Eisenhower School for National Security and Resource Strategy at NDU. This school trains leaders for national security roles.
