Marcia Bernicat facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Marcia Bernicat
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| 32nd Director General of the Foreign Service | |
| In office June 6, 2022 – January 20, 2025 |
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| President | Joe Biden |
| Preceded by | Carol Z. Perez |
| Assistant Secretary of State for Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs | |
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Acting
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| In office August 6, 2021 – September 28, 2021 |
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| President | Joe Biden |
| Preceded by | Jonathan M. Moore |
| Succeeded by | Monica Medina |
| Under Secretary of State for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment | |
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Acting
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| In office January 20, 2021 – August 5, 2021 |
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| President | Joe Biden |
| Preceded by | Keith J. Krach |
| Succeeded by | Jose W. Fernandez |
| United States Ambassador to Bangladesh | |
| In office February 4, 2015 – November 2, 2018 |
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| President | Barack Obama Donald Trump |
| Preceded by | Dan Mozena |
| Succeeded by | Earl R. Miller |
| United States Ambassador to Senegal United States Ambassador to Guinea-Bissau |
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| In office August 6, 2008 – July 15, 2011 |
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| President | George W. Bush Barack Obama |
| Preceded by | Janice L. Jacobs |
| Succeeded by | Lewis Lukens |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 1953 (age 71–72) |
| Spouse | Olivier Bernicat |
| Education | Lafayette College (BA) Georgetown University (MS) |
Marcia Stephens Bloom Bernicat is an American diplomat. She was born in 1953. She served as the 32nd Director General of the Foreign Service from 2022 to 2025. Before that, she was the United States Ambassador to Bangladesh. She also worked as the U.S. Ambassador to Senegal and Guinea-Bissau.
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Early Life and Education
Marcia Bernicat grew up in Tinton Falls, New Jersey. She went to Monmouth Regional High School. In 1975, she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Lafayette College. Her main subject was history. She was very interested in the League of Nations and the relationship between the United States and the United Nations. Later, in 1980, she earned a Master of Science degree from Georgetown University.
Marcia Bernicat's Career Journey
Marcia Bernicat started her career in business. She worked in a management role at Procter & Gamble in New York.
Becoming a Diplomat
In 1982, Bernicat began her career as a Foreign Service Officer. This means she worked for the U.S. government in other countries. Her first assignment was at the U.S. embassy in Bamako, the capital of Mali. From 1984 to 1986, she worked as a consular officer in Marseille, France. After that, she held positions in India, Morocco, Malawi, and Barbados.
From 2006 to 2008, she was a director for several Asian countries. During this time, she helped with talks to provide India with nuclear materials for peaceful uses. In 2008, President George W. Bush chose her to be the U.S. Ambassador to Senegal and Guinea-Bissau.
Leading in Human Resources and Bangladesh
From 2012 to 2014, Bernicat worked as a Deputy Assistant Secretary in the Bureau of Human Resources. This department helps manage people working for the U.S. State Department. In 2014, she was chosen to be the U.S. Ambassador to Bangladesh.
When she spoke to the Senate, she talked about Bangladesh. She noted that it is a very large country by population. She also mentioned that Bangladesh is known for its moderate and diverse traditions.
Role in the Biden Administration
On April 15, 2021, President Joe Biden announced he wanted Bernicat to be the Director General of the Foreign Service. This is a very important job in the U.S. State Department. Her nomination was sent to the Senate. After a hearing and a vote, the United States Senate confirmed her for the role on May 26, 2022. She started her service on May 31, 2022. She was sworn in on June 6, 2022. She served until January 20, 2025, when she resigned.
Personal Life
Marcia Bernicat can speak several languages. She speaks French, Hindi, and Russian. She is married to Olivier Bernicat. They have two children.
