The Chief of Protocol is an officer of the United States Department of State responsible for advising the President of the United States, the Vice President, and the Secretary of State on matters of national and international diplomatic protocol. The Chief arranges itineraries for foreign dignitaries visiting the United States and accompanies the President on all official international travel. Additionally, the Office of the Chief of Protocol is responsible for accrediting foreign diplomats and publishing the list of foreign consular offices in the U.S., organizing ceremonies for treaty signings, conducting ambassadorial swearing-in and State Arrival Ceremonies, and maintaining Blair House, the official guest house for state visitors. The current Chief of Protocol is Nancy Brinker, who took on the position upon the retirement of Donald Ensenat in February 2007. Brinker is the founder of Susan G. Komen for the Cure, which she started in 1982. The best known Chief of Protocol is most likely former child star, Shirley Temple Black.
Divisions
The Office has five divisions, led by Assistant Chiefs, who oversee the principal duties:
- Management, Assistant Chief Annette Feeley
- Visits, Assistant Chief Andrew Ciafardini
- Ceremonials, Assistant Chief Amy Little
- Diplomatic Affairs, Assistant Chief Gladys Boluda
- Blair House, Assistant Chief Randell Bumgardner
See also
External links
- Office of the Chief of Protocol
- Biography of Nancy G. Brinker, U.S. Chief of Protocol
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