James I. Gadsden facts for kids

Quick facts for kids James I. Gadsden
United States Ambassador to Iceland
In office December 9, 2002 – July 14, 2005
President	George W. Bush
Preceded by	Barbara J. Griffiths
Succeeded by	Carol van Voorst
Personal details
Born	(1948-03-12) March 12, 1948 (age 77) Charleston, South Carolina
Spouse	Sally Freeman Gadsden
Children	2
Education	Harvard University Stanford University Princeton University
Profession	Diplomat

James Irvin Gadsden, born on March 12, 1948, is an American who used to be a diplomat. A diplomat is someone who represents their country in other nations. He served as the U.S. Ambassador to Iceland, which means he was the top representative for the United States in Iceland.

Early Life and Education

James Gadsden went to several top universities. He studied Economics at Harvard University, graduating in 1970. He also earned a master's degree in East Asian Studies from Stanford University in 1972. Later, in 1984, he studied Economics at Princeton University.

A Career in Diplomacy

Mr. Gadsden began his career in the Foreign Service in 1972. The Foreign Service is a part of the U.S. government that handles relationships with other countries. He became a senior member of this service, meaning he held important roles.

He worked in many different places around the world. After a long career, he finished his work as a Senior Counselor for International Affairs at the Woodrow Wilson National Fellowship Foundation. He held this position from 2011 to 2016.

Important Roles and Missions

James Gadsden held many important jobs during his time as a diplomat. Here are some of the key roles he had:

• U.S. Ambassador to Iceland (2002–2005): This was his most important role, where he represented the United States in Iceland.
• Special Negotiator for Agricultural Biotechnology (2001–2002): In this role, he worked on agreements about new farming technologies.
• Deputy Assistant Secretary for European Affairs (1997–2001): He helped manage relations with countries in Europe.
• Deputy Chief of Mission, Budapest, Hungary (1994–1997): He was the second-in-command at the U.S. Embassy in Hungary.
• Counselor for Economic Affairs, Paris, France (1989–1993): He advised on economic matters at the U.S. Embassy in France.
• Economic/Political Officer, US Mission to the EU (1985–1989): He worked on economic and political issues with the European Union.
• European Communities Desk Officer (1981–1984): He focused on specific European countries and their relationships with the U.S.
• Staff Assistant to Assistant Secretary for Economic and Business Affairs (1980–1981): He helped a senior official with economic and business matters.
• Commercial Officer, Budapest, Hungary (1977–1979): He helped American businesses in Hungary.
• Market Research Officer, US Trade Center, Taipei, Taiwan (1974–1976): He researched markets to help American trade in Taiwan.
• Political Officer, Office of East Asian Regional Affairs (1972–1974): He worked on political issues in East Asian countries.

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  James I. Gadsden