Carmen G. Cantor
Easton,PA
Summary
Seasoned diplomat and executive leader with over 34 years of proven leadership experience in the U.S. federal government system and international arena. Successfully led cross-functional teams, managed complex operations, and made strategic decisions. Demonstrated a track record of success in navigating the intricacies of diplomacy and effectively representing the interests of the organization. Adept at fostering collaborative relationships with stakeholders at all levels to achieve common goals.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Assistant Secretary, Ins. & International Affairs
U. S. Department of the Interior (DOI)
08.2022 - 01.2025
- Led DOI's mandates regarding the U.S territories of Guam, American Samoa, COmmonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, U.S. Virgin Islands, and federal assistance to the Republic of Palau, the Republic of the Marshall Islands and the Federated States of Micronesia.
- Co-negotiated the Compacts of Free Association (COFA) along with the U.S. Department of State and worked closely with the U.S. Congress to ensure its passage and implementation.
- Cultivated long-lasting relationships with international governments (Antigua, Canada, Colombia, Indonesia, Thailand, South Africa), fostering goodwill towards DOI's programs globally.
- Managed a diverse team of professionals across multiple time zones, promoting collaboration while ensuring individual development opportunities were provided equitably for all employees globally.
- Worked closely (on a weekly basis) with The White House, National Security Council, U.S. Congress and territorial governors on all matters relating to the U.S. territories.
U.S. Ambassador
U.S. Department of State (DOS)
01.2020 - 07.2022
- Enhanced diplomatic relations by establishing strong communication channels and fostering collaboration with FSM counterparts.
- Collaborated closely with interagency partners to ensure alignment of objectives across different branches of government operating overseas (ie: Defense; USDA; USAID; DOI; FAA; Coast Guard).
- Protected American citizens abroad by offering consular services such as passport renewals, emergency assistance, and legal representation when necessary.
- Led the USG crisis and COVID-19 response efforts in the FSM by coordinating interagency assistance.
- Fostered international cooperation by representing the U.S. at meetings and forums on various global issues.
- Monitored political and economic developments within the FSM to provide timely analysis for policymakers at the National Security Council and DOS.
- Managed public diplomacy efforts including press engagements, social media presence, and educational exchange programs aimed at increasing the US' positive image abroad.
- Promoted US interests in the FSM by advocating for policy initiatives and engaging in strategic negotiations.
- Organized events and activities to promote women and young girls' political and economic empowerment.
- Fostered partnerships with local host government legislators to fight gender-based violence in the Pacific islands.
Executive (EX) Director And Other Positions
U.S. Department of State
11.2009 - 12.2019
- In the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, led and supervised a staff of 100+ to ensure that all operational functions were carried out properly and effectively.
- Oversaw all human resources and financial organizations that supported programs that build peaceful relations between the U.S. and other countries, including academic, sports, professional and cultural exchanges.
- Established and administered annual budgets with controls.
- Partnered with other managerial staff to optimize the effectiveness of the management team and strategized new ways to lead the company.
- Drove organizational alignment by developing and implementing comprehensive strategic plan.
- In the Bureau of Counterterrorism, initiated and completed a transition from office to Bureau level while building a new team and supporting 100+ staff focusing on international counterterrorism efforts.
Education
No Degree - Certificate in International Migration Studies
Georgetown University School of Continuing Studies
Washington, DC05-2017
Master of Arts - Labor Relations
Inter American University of Puerto Rico
San Juan, PR05-1993
Bachelor of Arts - Sociology
University of Puerto Rico
Mayaguez, PR05-1989
Skills
- Empathic leader with innovative problem-solving skills and excellent team-building abilities
- Proficient in using independent decision-making skills and sound judgment to positively impact agency success
- Dedicated to applying training, monitoring and morale-building abilities to enhance employee engagement and boost performance
- Executive leadership
- Organizational leadership
Core Qualifications
- Diplomacy
- International Relations
- National Security
- Strategic Planning
- Decision Making
- Problem-Solving/Results-Driven
- Negotiating
- Mentoring
Affiliations
- Consistent "Outstanding" Performance Ratings and Bonuses
- U.S. Secretary of State "Equal Employment Opportunity" Award (2014)
- Featured as one of five "Trailblazers of American Foreign Policy" by Latina Style Magazine (2014)
Certification
Spanish (Native)
Timeline
Assistant Secretary, Ins. & International Affairs
U. S. Department of the Interior (DOI)
08.2022 - 01.2025
U.S. Ambassador
U.S. Department of State (DOS)
01.2020 - 07.2022
Executive (EX) Director And Other Positions
U.S. Department of State
11.2009 - 12.2019
Spanish (Native)
No Degree - Certificate in International Migration Studies
Georgetown University School of Continuing Studies
Master of Arts - Labor Relations
Inter American University of Puerto Rico
Bachelor of Arts - Sociology
University of Puerto Rico
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