By Gail Hairston

 

University of Kentucky alumna Christine Ann Elder has been appointed the new United States Ambassador to the West African nation of Liberia.

 

At her welcoming ceremony, Ambassador Elder, a career member of the Senior Foreign Service expressed gratitude for the level of cooperation that currently exists between the two countries.

 

“The U.S. government wouldn’t have done what she has and [is] doing in the country without the cordial level of cooperation from the Liberian people and government,” Elder said.

 

Ambassador Elder was making reference to the numerous interventions that the U.S. government has been making in several sectors in Liberia, including governance, security, education, agriculture, health and others.

 

Although Liberia and the U.S. are traditional partners, Ambassador Elder described the current partnership subsisting between the two countries as unique.

 

“This is a unique partnership and we have come to improve upon it and take on a higher level,” she said. “We will stand … with you shoulder to shoulder.” 

 

A Kentucky native, Ambassador Elder received a bachelor's degree in German from UK and a master’s degree from the George Washington University. Her career has spanned both civil and foreign service. She served as a trade policy assistant with the International Trade Administration at the United States Department of Commerce before joining the Department of State. Earlier State Department assignments include service in Germany and Hungary.

 

 

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