Mel Sembler facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Mel Sembler
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| United States Ambassador to Italy | |
| In office December 10, 2001 – July 26, 2005 |
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| President | George W. Bush |
| Preceded by | Thomas M. Foglietta |
| Succeeded by | Ronald P. Spogli |
| United States Ambassador to Australia | |
| In office October 10, 1989 – February 28, 1993 |
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| President | George H. W. Bush |
| Preceded by | Laurence W. Lane |
| Succeeded by | Edward J. Perkins |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Melvin Floyd Sembler
May 10, 1930 St. Joseph, Missouri, U.S. |
| Died | October 31, 2023 (aged 93) |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse |
Betty Schlesinger
(m. 1953; died 2022) |
| Children | 3 |
| Alma mater | Northwestern University |
| Profession | Diplomat, businessman |
Melvin Floyd Sembler (May 10, 1930 – October 31, 2023) was an American diplomat and businessman. He served as an ambassador for the United States in two different countries. From 2001 to 2005, he was the U.S. Ambassador to Italy. Before that, he was the Ambassador to Australia and Nauru from 1989 to 1993.
Mr. Sembler also led a company that built and managed shopping centers. He was also involved in many important groups and foundations.
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Early Life and Education
Melvin Sembler was born on May 10, 1930, in St. Joseph, Missouri. He went to Northwestern University and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in 1952. He was from a Jewish family.
Political Involvement
Melvin Sembler was a strong supporter of the Republican Party. Starting in 1979, he helped raise money for political campaigns. He once raised a record $21.3 million at a single dinner in April 2000.
During the 1988 presidential election, he was part of the team for George H. W. Bush's campaign. He also helped with fundraising in Florida for President Bush. Mr. Sembler advised President Ronald Reagan and President Bush on drug policy. He worked on the White House Conference for a Drug-Free America.
He held many important roles within the Republican Party. From 1997 to 2000, he was the finance chairman for the Republican National Committee. He also served on the boards of several foundations. These included the Drug Free America Foundation and the Florida Holocaust Museum. He was also an honorary chairman of the Republican Jewish Coalition.
Business Career
Melvin Sembler had a successful career in business. He served on the boards of directors for several banks. These included the First Bank of Treasure Island and American Momentum Bank.
He also started his own company, the Sembler Company. This company focused on developing and managing shopping centers. He was a leader in the shopping center industry. From 1986 to 1987, he was the president of the International Council of Shopping Centers. He was involved with this organization for 25 years.
Diplomatic Service
In February 1989, President George H. W. Bush chose Melvin Sembler to be the United States Ambassador to Australia and Nauru. He served in this role for three and a half years. Even though he didn't have much diplomatic experience before, he did a great job. His work as ambassador was well-received.
In October 2000, he received a special honor. He was named an Honorary Officer of the Order of Australia. This award recognized his excellent service to Australia.
Later, President George W. Bush appointed him U.S. Ambassador to Italy. He started this role on November 16, 2001. In February 2005, a part of the U.S. Embassy in Rome was named after him. It was called the Mel Sembler Building. This was a very special honor for a diplomat.
In May 2008, President George W. Bush asked him to join a special group. This group traveled to Jerusalem to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the State of Israel. In 2014, he received the America Award from the Italy-USA Foundation.
Personal Life and Passing
Melvin Sembler married Betty Schlesinger in 1953. They had three sons named Steve, Brent, and Greg. They also had eleven grandchildren. Betty passed away on February 16, 2022.
Mel Sembler died on October 31, 2023. He was 93 years old.
