S. Fitzgerald Haney facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
'Fitz' Haney
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| S. Fitzgerald Haney | |
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| U.S. Ambassador to Costa Rica | |
| In office July 8, 2015 – July 15, 2017 |
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| President | Barack Obama Donald Trump |
| Preceded by | Anne Slaughter Andrew |
| Succeeded by | Sharon Day |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Stafford Fitzgerald Haney
January 3, 1969 Nashville, Tennessee |
| Nationality | American |
| Spouse | Andrea Dobrick |
| Children | 4 |
| Education | Georgetown University |
| Occupation | Diplomat, businessman |
| Awards | Grand Silver Cross of the National Order of Juan Mora Fernández |
Stafford Fitzgerald Haney (born January 3, 1969) is an American diplomat and businessman. He served as the U.S. Ambassador to Costa Rica from 2015 to 2017. President Barack Obama chose him for this important role. He was confirmed by the Senate in May 2015.
Haney was the only ambassador appointed by President Obama who stayed on under the Donald Trump administration. He was born in Nashville, Tennessee. He grew up in Naperville, Illinois. He later studied at Georgetown University.
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Early Life and Education
Stafford Fitzgerald Haney was born in Nashville, Tennessee. He finished high school in 1986 in Naperville, Illinois.
He went to Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. He earned two degrees there. One was in international economics in 1990. The other was in international business and diplomacy in 1991.
After college, Haney moved to Latin America. He worked for American companies in places like Puerto Rico and Mexico. Later, he moved to Israel. There, he met his wife, Rabbi Andrea Haney. In 2002, they moved back to the United States. They settled in Englewood, New Jersey.
Career in Business
Haney started his career at Procter & Gamble in San Juan, Puerto Rico. He worked in marketing, helping to manage brands. He spent three years there before moving on.
In 1994, he joined PepsiCo Restaurants International. He was a marketing manager in Puerto Rico. The company then moved him to Mexico City. He helped develop new, more affordable pizzas there. This idea later spread around the world.
He was promoted to marketing director for Brazil in 1996. He managed marketing for Pizza Hut and KFC in the country. He helped improve their business strategies.
Later, Haney became a vice president at Citibank Mexico. He helped plan strategies for the bank's business there. This was one of Citibank's largest consumer businesses.
Becoming an Ambassador
On July 8, 2014, President Obama announced he wanted Haney to be the U.S. Ambassador to Costa Rica. Haney spoke to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. This committee helps decide if someone is right for such a job.
His nomination was sent to the full Senate. However, they did not vote on it that year. So, President Obama nominated him again in 2015. Haney spoke to the Senate committee a second time.
Finally, on May 23, 2015, the Senate approved his nomination. He became one of the few people confirmed for a role by the Senate that year.
Haney officially became Ambassador on June 1, 2015. He arrived in San Jose, Costa Rica on June 28, 2015. He presented his official papers to Costa Rican leaders.
In January 2017, many ambassadors appointed by President Obama were asked to leave. But Haney was allowed to stay in his role. He was the only political ambassador from the Obama era to remain under President Trump.
On July 13, 2017, Costa Rica honored Haney. They gave him the Grand Silver Cross of the National Order of Juan Mora Fernández. This award was for his excellent service to the country. He finished his time as ambassador on July 15, 2017.
Dancing with the Stars
After his time as ambassador, Haney joined a popular TV show. On July 28, 2017, it was announced he would be on Dancing with the Stars in Costa Rica. This show is very popular there.
Haney was known as "Mr. Fitz" on the show. He danced with Lucia Jimenez, a salsa champion. She had won the previous season. Haney made it to the show's final competition. He finished in second place. The finale received over a million public votes.
Personal Life
In July 2000, Haney married Andrea Dobrick. She is a Conservative Rabbi. They have four children together.
