Gabriel Escobar
Falls Church,VA
Summary
Professional representative with strong background in diplomacy and public and economic relations. Adept at building and nurturing strategic partnerships to promote organizational initiatives. Known for executive level leadership, collaborative teamwork, and delivering consistent results through excellent interpersonal and negotiation skills.
Overview
39
39
years of professional experience
Work History
Acting Ambassador
U.S. Embassy
01.2025 - Current
- Managed the bilateral relationship between the United States and Brazil.
- Led a team consisting of 1400 employees representing 50 U.S. government agencies.
- Provided policy guidance to the U.S. Government on political, security, economic, and military relations with the largest Latin American country.
Ambassadorial Nominee to Paraguay
U.S. Department of State
07.2024 - 12.2024
- Nominated by the President of the United States to lead the U.S. Government engagement with the Republic of Paraguay in all aspects of the bilateral relationship.
Special Envoy and Deputy Assistant Secretary
U.S. Department of State
09.2021 - 06.2024
- Formulated and implemented U.S. Government policy toward the countries of the Western Balkans
- Worked closely with key U.S. Government agencies, including Defense, Treasury, Energy, Commerce, and USAID.
- Was the primary U.S. Government representative in international peace negotiations focused on the region.
- Was the primary U.S. State Department interlocutor with NATO, European Union, and United Nations on political matters related to the region.
Deputy Chief of Mission
U.S. Embassy
08.2019 - 09.2021
- Served as the Chief Operating Officer for a 300-person mission. representing eight U.S. Government agencies, including State, Defense, Justice, Commerce, FBI, and Agriculture.
- Supported the U.S.-EU-led peace process between Serbia and Kosovo
- Encouraged the integration of Serbia into international economic structures to allow greater investment by American companies in the country.
Economic Minister Counselor
U.S. Embassy
07.2018 - 08.2019
- Led the U.S. Government engagement with the Government of Iraq on all bilateral economic issues.
- Advocated for American companies seeking entry into the Iraqi market.
- Successfully supported major American energy companies in their efforts to compete for multi-billion dollar infrastructure projects.
- Helped organize the largest American trade delegation of American companies to Iraq since 2004.
Coordinator for Cuban Affairs
U.S. Department of State
08.2017 - 07.2018
- Led an interagency team at the forefront of engagement with the Government of Cuba.
- Recommended policy action on implementation of sanctions, licenses and exemptions for American companies operating in Cuba.
- Engaged extensively with interagency partners, including Commerce, Treasury, Defense, and Justice on promoting U.S. interests inside of Cuba.
Deputy Chief of Mission
U.S. Embassy
12.2014 - 07.2017
- Managed a multi-agency team on behalf of the Chief of Mission in support of all U.S. Government operations in Bolivia.
- Led a transformation of the American Chamber of Commerce in an effort to expand market share for American companies.
- Helped expand U.S. - Bolivian relations to address transnational crime, environmental degradation and irregular migration.
Consul General
U.S. Consulate General
12.2013 - 10.2014
- Oversaw a highly-motivated U.S. Government team responsible for maintaining relations with provincial and federal leaders in Northwest Pakistan.
- Supported law enforcement, anti-terrorist, and military engagement in one of the world's most dangerous regions.
Political Officer
U.S. Department of State
10.1993 - 11.2013
- Worked in a variety of positions as a diplomat in Europe, Latin America, and Asia in support of U.S. Government relations with host country governments.
- Worked closely with U.S. government agencies, American companies, European and international organizations, and non-governmental organizations.
United States Naval Reserve Officer
United States Navy
06.1986 - 09.2002
- Served in a variety of sensitive language-designated positions
- Commission Officer in the U.S. Naval Reserve leading teams in sensitive operations.
Education
Kathryn And Shelby Davis Fellow - International And Public Affairs
Columbia University
New York, NY06.2011
Bachelor of Arts - Political Science
Columbia University
New York, NY02.1990
Skills
- Senior US Diplomat
- Executive Level Leader
- International Affairs Expert
- Strong Interagency Experience
- Proven management skills of large teams
Languages
Spanish
Native or Bilingual
Russian
Full Professional
Portuguese
Full Professional
Italian
Full Professional
Serbian
Professional Working
Croatian
Professional Working
Czech
Limited Working
Timeline
Acting Ambassador
U.S. Embassy
01.2025 - Current
Ambassadorial Nominee to Paraguay
U.S. Department of State
07.2024 - 12.2024
Special Envoy and Deputy Assistant Secretary
U.S. Department of State
09.2021 - 06.2024
Deputy Chief of Mission
U.S. Embassy
08.2019 - 09.2021
Economic Minister Counselor
U.S. Embassy
07.2018 - 08.2019
Coordinator for Cuban Affairs
U.S. Department of State
08.2017 - 07.2018
Deputy Chief of Mission
U.S. Embassy
12.2014 - 07.2017
Consul General
U.S. Consulate General
12.2013 - 10.2014
Political Officer
U.S. Department of State
10.1993 - 11.2013
United States Naval Reserve Officer
United States Navy
06.1986 - 09.2002
Kathryn And Shelby Davis Fellow - International And Public Affairs
Columbia University
Bachelor of Arts - Political Science
Columbia University
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