Duluth native tapped as ambassador to Israel
FILE - In this Dec. 20, 2012, file photo, Thomas Nides, testifies to the Senate foreign Relations Committee on Capitol Hill in Washington. President Joe Biden has unveiled picks for several high-profile ambassadorial postings, turning to a group that includes career diplomats, political allies and an American aviation hero. Nides is nominated to serve as ambassador to Israel.[AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, File]
A Duluth native and University of Minnesota graduate has been picked by President Joe Biden to serve as the U.S. ambassador to Israel.
The White House said Tuesday that Biden will nominate Thomas R. Nides as ambassador to Israel.
The position requires Nides to be confirmed by the U.S. Senate.
Nides currently serves on the boards of the Partnership for Public Service, the International Rescue Committee, the Atlantic Council and the Urban Alliance Foundation and serves as the managing director and vice-chairman of Morgan Stanley.
He was the State Department’s deputy secretary for management and resources from 2010-13 and was appointed by President Barack Obama as the former chairman of the board of the Woodrow Wilson Center.
U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar, D-Minnesota, issued the following statement on Tuesday:
"Tom Nides grew up in Duluth and has been a good friend since we met as college interns for then-Vice President Mondale. In that job, Tom’s first assignment in governing was saving a Lake Superior fog horn for the City of Duluth. Since then he has served ably – and most importantly, optimistically – in many leadership positions, including at the State Department. During his time with the Obama administration, Tom distinguished himself as a key voice on Israel and an advocate for humanitarian support for U.S. allies. Now more than ever, we need an ambassador committed to fostering enduring peace and stability. I am confident that as ambassador, Tom will further the deep alliance between our two nations and our commitment to lasting prosperity in the region."