Elliot Fertik
Accra
Summary
Dynamic FS-01 consular manager with extensive experience in leading full-service consular sections and driving the development and implementation of visa and citizenship policies. Proven track record in enhancing bilateral relations with key U.S. partners while fostering an environment of accountability and professional growth within high-performing teams. Expertise in navigating complex regulatory frameworks and delivering exceptional service, ensuring compliance and efficiency in all operations. Committed to leveraging strong leadership skills to achieve organizational goals and elevate the standards of consular services.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Consular Section Chief
U.S. Embassy Accra
08.2023 - Current
- Managed one of the largest consular sections in Sub-Saharan Africa, overseeing 15 officers, 8 EFMs, and 31 local staff that provided record-breaking volumes of ACS, NIV, and IV consular services.
- Worked with Ambassador and DCM to permit the removal of third-country nationals to Ghana who could not be deported to their home countries and negotiate bilateral agreements to facilitate the release or transfer of imprisoned American citizens - both top Administration priorities.
- Promoted contractor accountability by documenting and reporting the substandard performance of a new visa appointment services provider for consulates in 14 countries, including Ghana. Subsequent cure notices to the contractor were primarily based on Accra's reporting, which CA's Assistant Secretary singled out for thanks.
- Uncovered widespread diplomatic visa fraud involving hundreds of illicit travelers and systematic host country government corruption. Efforts lead to dozens of arrests, firing of entire staff of Foreign Ministry's Protocol section, and implementation of interview requirement for diplomatic visas, foreshadowing change in Department policy.
- Transformed underperforming section with long backlogs and shaky morale into high performing team that set adjudication records and reduced backlogs without compromising national security, substantially improving bilateral relationships.
Deputy Consular Chief
U.S. Embassy Nairobi
06.2019 - 07.2023
- Oversaw daily operations of one of the largest consular sections in Africa, supervising eight FSOs, 5 EFMs, and 21 LE Staff.
- Directed consular section through COVID-19 pandemic, keeping applicants and staff safe while bringing
- Negotiated multiple bilateral agreements with Kenyan government, including agreements to mutual reduce visa fees and increase diplomatic visa validity.
Critical Incident Manager, Consular Affairs Service Desk
CA/CST
07.2018 - 06.2019
- Oversaw execution of CA Service Desk contract, involving 79 contractual positions and a $31 million budget, providing technical support for 271 overseas posts and 31 domestic passport agencies.
East-Asian Pacific Division Chief
Directorate of Overseas Citizen Services
06.2016 - 06.2018
- Oversaw eight FSO and civil service desk officers covering ACS issues in East Asia- Pacific region who supported over 30 missions in providing high-quality ACS services.
- Coordinated high-profile interagency issues such as U.S. citizen detainees in North Korea and implementing U.S. citizenship law reforms.
ACS Chief
U.S. Consulate General Chennai
06.2015 - 07.2016
- Supervised ACS section with a rapidly growing passport and CRBA workload and complex special circumstance cases.
- Developed outreach plans, reinvigorated the warden system, and oversaw Post's reaction to flooding that displaced millions.
Fraud Prevention Manager
U.S. Consulate General Chennai
07.2014 - 06.2015
- Oversaw Fraud Prevention Unit at post that s world's largest issuer of work visas.
- Developed innovative technological tools to detect and prevent fraud while not hampering visa processing.
Consular Section Chief
U.S. Embassy Kinshasa
08.2012 - 06.2014
- Oversaw high-volume, full-service consular section in one of the largest and least stable countries in Africa.
- Worked with front office and Washington to shape and implement U.S. policy on high-profile bilateral issues such as international adoption and official visa fraud.
Education
J.D. -
University of Pennsylvania Law School
06.1995
B.A. - undefined
Princeton University
06.1988
Timeline
Consular Section Chief
U.S. Embassy Accra
08.2023 - Current
Deputy Consular Chief
U.S. Embassy Nairobi
06.2019 - 07.2023
Critical Incident Manager, Consular Affairs Service Desk
CA/CST
07.2018 - 06.2019
East-Asian Pacific Division Chief
Directorate of Overseas Citizen Services
06.2016 - 06.2018
ACS Chief
U.S. Consulate General Chennai
06.2015 - 07.2016
Fraud Prevention Manager
U.S. Consulate General Chennai
07.2014 - 06.2015
Consular Section Chief
U.S. Embassy Kinshasa
08.2012 - 06.2014
B.A. - undefined
Princeton University
J.D. -
University of Pennsylvania Law School
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