Joyce Anne Barr facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Joyce Anne Barr
Assistant Secretary of State for Administration
In office December 19, 2011 – January 26, 2017
President	Barack Obama Donald Trump
Preceded by	Rajkumar Chellaraj
Succeeded by	Harry Mahar (Acting)
United States Ambassador to Namibia
In office October 27, 2004 – July 31, 2007
President	George W. Bush
Preceded by	Kevin McGuire
Succeeded by	Gail Mathieu
Personal details
Born	1951 (age 73–74) Tacoma, Washington
Alma mater	Pacific Lutheran University Harvard University National Defense University

Joyce Anne Barr (born in 1951) is an American diplomat. She worked for the U.S. Department of State for many years. She was an Assistant Secretary of State for Administration. This role involves managing the department's daily operations. Before that, she was the U.S. Ambassador to Namibia from 2004 to 2007.

Early Life and Education

Joyce Anne Barr was born in 1951. Her hometown is Tacoma, Washington.

Schooling and Degrees

Barr studied Business Administration at Pacific Lutheran University. She graduated with high honors. She also earned a master's degree from Harvard University. Later, she received another master's degree from the Industrial College of the Armed Forces.

A Career in Diplomacy

Joyce Barr joined the Department of State in 1979. A diplomat is someone who represents their country in other nations. They work to build good relationships between countries.

Working Around the World

Barr served in many different countries. Her assignments included Stockholm (Sweden) in 1980. She also worked in Budapest (Hungary) in 1982. Other posts were in Nairobi (Kenya) in 1985 and Khartoum (Sudan) in 1989. She also served in Ashgabat (Turkmenistan) in 1998. Later, she was in Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia).

Roles in Washington, D.C.

Barr also had important jobs in Washington, D.C. She worked for different parts of the State Department. These included the Bureau of Personnel. She also worked for the Bureau of Human Rights and Humanitarian Affairs. She helped with international organizations too.

Ambassador to Namibia

In 2004, President Bush chose Barr to be the U.S. Ambassador to Namibia. The U.S. Senate approved her for this role. She started her job as Ambassador on October 4, 2004. She served in Namibia until 2007.

Special Assignments

Barr took part in the Pearson Program. This program allows diplomats to work outside the State Department. It helps them learn more about how laws are made. It also helps them understand public concerns. As part of this program, she worked with Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan. She also worked with Congressman Bennie Thompson.

Assistant Secretary of State

On December 17, 2011, the United States Senate confirmed Barr for a new role. She became the Assistant Secretary of State for Administration. This is a very important leadership position.

Leaving the State Department

On January 26, 2017, Joyce Barr and other senior diplomats were asked to resign. This happened when Rex Tillerson became the new Secretary of State.

Joyce Barr is a member of the National Academy of Public Administration.