Marcia Bernicat facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Marcia Bernicat
32nd Director General of the Foreign Service
In office June 6, 2022 – January 20, 2025
President	Joe Biden
Preceded by	Carol Z. Perez
Assistant Secretary of State for Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs
Acting
In office August 6, 2021 – September 28, 2021
President	Joe Biden
Preceded by	Jonathan M. Moore
Succeeded by	Monica Medina
Under Secretary of State for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment
Acting
In office January 20, 2021 – August 5, 2021
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
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
In office August 6, 2008 – July 15, 2011
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 Bernicat (born in 1953) is an important American diplomat. A diplomat is someone who represents their country in other nations. They work to build good relationships and solve problems between countries.

Marcia Bernicat has held many big jobs. She was the top leader of the Foreign Service from 2022 to 2025. The Foreign Service is like the U.S. team of diplomats who work all over the world. She also served as an Ambassador to countries like Bangladesh, Senegal, and Guinea-Bissau.

Early Life and Education

Marcia Bernicat was born in 1953. She grew up in Tinton Falls, New Jersey. She went to Monmouth Regional High School.

In 1975, she earned a bachelor's degree from Lafayette College. She studied history there. She was very interested in how countries work together, especially the League of Nations and the United States' relationship with the United Nations. Later, in 1980, she earned a master's degree in Foreign Service from Georgetown University.

Career as a Diplomat

Marcia Bernicat started her career in business. She worked in a management role at Procter & Gamble in New York.

In 1982, she began her exciting career as a Foreign Service Officer. Her first overseas job 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. A consular officer helps U.S. citizens who are traveling or living abroad.

After that, she worked in the U.S. for a few years. Then, she moved to different countries around the world. She had jobs in India, Morocco, Malawi, and Barbados.

From 2006 to 2008, she was in charge of an office that dealt with several Asian countries. In this role, she helped with talks to provide India with non-military nuclear materials.

Becoming an Ambassador

In 2008, President George W. Bush chose her to be the U.S. Ambassador to Senegal and Guinea-Bissau. An ambassador is the highest-ranking diplomat representing their country in another nation.

From 2012 to 2014, Bernicat worked as a Deputy Assistant Secretary. This job involved helping manage human resources for the Department of State.

In 2014, she was chosen to be the U.S. Ambassador to Bangladesh. When she spoke to the Senate about Bangladesh, she mentioned that it is a very large country. She noted that Bangladesh is known for its moderate and diverse traditions.

Working with the Biden Administration

On April 15, 2021, President Joe Biden announced that he wanted Marcia Bernicat to become the Director General of the Foreign Service. This is a very important leadership role for all U.S. diplomats.

Her nomination was sent to the Senate for approval. After a hearing and a vote, the United States Senate confirmed her for the role on May 26, 2022. She officially started her service on June 6, 2022. She served in this role until January 20, 2025.

Personal Life

Marcia Bernicat is married to Olivier Bernicat. They have two children. She can speak several languages, including French, Hindi, and Russian.