George Edward Glass facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
George Edward Glass
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| United States Ambassador to Japan Nominee |
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| Assuming office TBD |
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| President | Donald Trump |
| Succeeding | Rahm Emanuel |
| United States Ambassador to Portugal | |
| In office August 30, 2017 – January 13, 2021 |
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| President | Donald Trump |
| Preceded by | Robert A. Sherman |
| Succeeded by | Randi Levine |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Eugene, Oregon, U.S. |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse | Mary Glass |
| Children | 3 |
| Education | University of Oregon (BS) |
| Occupation | Businessman |
George Edward Glass is an American businessman and former diplomat. A diplomat is someone who represents their country in another country. He was born in 1960 in Oregon.
From 2017 to 2021, Mr. Glass served as the United States Ambassador to Portugal. An ambassador is the highest-ranking diplomat sent by one country to another. In December 2024, President Donald Trump announced that he plans to nominate Mr. Glass to be the United States Ambassador to Japan.
Early Life and Education
George Glass grew up in Eugene, Oregon. He went to South Eugene High School.
Later, he studied at the University of Oregon. He earned a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree there. He also served as the Alumni President for the university.
Business Career
Before becoming an ambassador, George Glass had a successful career in business. In 1990, he helped start a company called Pacific Crest Securities. This company was an investment bank that focused on technology. He was the founder, President, and Vice Chairman of the company until 2014.
After KeyBank bought Pacific Crest Securities, Mr. Glass started a new company. It was a real estate development firm called MGG Development LCC. He has also helped guide important organizations. He was a trustee for the Oregon Health Sciences University and the University of Oregon.
Ambassador to Portugal
In 2017, President Donald Trump chose George Glass to be the United States Ambassador to Portugal. The United States Senate approved his nomination on August 3, 2017. He officially started his role on August 25, 2017. He met with the President of Portugal, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, to present his official papers.
During his time as Ambassador, Mr. Glass worked to improve business ties between the U.S. and Portugal. This included working on issues related to farming and energy.
He also shared U.S. concerns about certain investments. For example, he spoke about Huawei's role in future 5G networks in Portugal. 5G is the newest generation of mobile internet technology. He also discussed concerns about a Chinese company buying a Portuguese energy company.
In September 2020, Mr. Glass spoke in an interview about 5G technology. He suggested that Portugal should choose between its friends and allies and China. He also mentioned possible effects on defense partnerships if Portugal worked with China. He also raised concerns about the construction of a new natural gas terminal at the Port of Sines.
Portuguese officials responded to these comments. Foreign Minister Augusto Santos Silva said that Portuguese authorities make decisions for Portugal. President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa also emphasized Portugal's independence.
In March 2020, Mr. Glass wrote an article for a newspaper called Público. In the article, he talked about false information during the COVID-19 pandemic. He wrote that China was trying to blame the U.S. for the pandemic.
George Glass and his wife, Mary, also helped Portuguese communities. They supported areas recovering from wildfires and helped with planting new trees. In October 2017, they visited communities affected by wildfires. In October 2019, they started the U.S.-Portugal Friendship Forest. They also helped create a partnership between North Cascades National Park in the U.S. and Peneda-Gerês National Park in Portugal.
In September 2019, Ambassador Glass named the Ambassador's Residence in Lisbon after Frank Carlucci. Mr. Carlucci was a former Ambassador to Portugal and Secretary of Defense.
On November 14, 2019, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo gave Mr. Glass an award. It was the Sue Cobb Award for excellent diplomatic service.
Mr. Glass finished his work as Ambassador on January 13, 2021. Before he left, the President of Portugal gave him an award. It was the Order of Prince Henry the Navigator.
Honors
- Grand Cross of the Order of Prince Henry the Navigator, Portugal (December 18, 2020)
