REPORT FOR THE COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN RELATIONS

UNITED STATES SENATE

SUBJECT: Ambassadorial Nomination: Certificate of
Demonstrated Competence -- Foreign Service
Act, Section 304(a)(4)

POST: Republic of El Salvador

CANDIDATE: Jean Elizabeth Manes

Jean Elizabeth Manes, a career member of the Senior Foreign Service, class of Counselor, currently serves as Principal Deputy Coordinator, Bureau of International Information Programs, a position she has held since 2013. She is well-known as an inclusive and effective leader with extensive experience directing complex interagency operations, including as Counselor for Public Affairs in Afghanistan. Her knowledge of the region, outstanding organizational skills, and proven track record of innovation will serve her well as Ambassador to El Salvador.

Previously, she served as Counselor for Public Affairs, U.S. Embassy Kabul, Afghanistan (2012-2013), after which she served briefly as Deputy Director, Department of State’s Florida Regional Center, Fort Lauderdale (2013). Ms. Manes also served as Director of Resources, Office of the Under Secretary for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs (2010-2012), Cultural Affairs Officer, U.S. Embassy Brasilia, Brazil (2009-2010), Principal Officer, U.S. Consulate Ponta Delgada-Azores, Portugal (2006-2009), and Regional Program Officer, Bureau of International Information Programs (2003-2006). Before that, she served as Public Affairs Officer, U.S. Embassy Montevideo, Uruguay (2000-2003) and Executive/Management Officer, U.S. Embassy Buenos Aires, Argentina (1999-2000). Prior to that, Ms. Manes worked for the U.S. Information Agency in Washington, D.C., serving as Regional Post Management Officer (1996-1999), Management Intern (1995-1996), Grants Officer (1993-1995), and Secretary, Office of Policy Guidance (1992-1993).

Ms. Manes earned a B.S. from Liberty University in Virginia in 1992 and a Master’s in Public Administration from American University in Washington, D.C. in 1996. She has received numerous Department performance awards as well as the Lois Roth Award for Cultural and Education Diplomacy and the Public Diplomacy Alumni Association Achievement Award. She speaks Spanish and Portuguese.