10 JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2025 | THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL I have often told the anecdote about a career ambassador who was chatting one day with the U.S. commander of the Fifth Fleet. The commander stated that when he retires from the Navy, he’d really enjoy a gig as a U.S. ambassador. The quick-witted ambassador responded: “That’s funny. When I retire, I’d like to get a job as head of the Fifth Fleet!” Needless to say, the admiral was horrified at the idea that someone thought he could walk into that naval job with no experience. Thus, it was with some trepidation that I bid on a job as special assistant to an incoming political appointee ambassador to India. I secretly hoped his pending nomination would linger so I could continue to work for the sharp chargé d’affaires in New Delhi, Career Ambassador Beth Jones. It turned out, however, that the political appointee ambassador, former Mayor of Los Angeles Eric Garcetti, was one of the finest leaders with whom I have had the pleasure of working. He was eminently qualified on the issues, having studied India in college, and possessed the contacts to reach back to the highest levels of the U.S. government, as well as leaders on both sides of the aisle in Congress and the private sector. Working tirelessly on the entire realm of U.S.-India relations, he recognized what he didn’t know about the Foreign Service and depended on the highly respected Career Minister–ranked deputy chief of mission, Patricia Lacina, for counsel. Together they made a dynamic team, along with a sterling country team. Amb. Garcetti’s charisma and vision inspired mission staff to want to raise their ambitions. Perhaps most important, he was committed to “leading with kindness” and cared deeply about the well-being of career members of the Foreign Service and embassy staff. He pushed for solutions to address local staff complaints that had simmered for years. Even after his most draining 12-hour days of high-level visits, when any of us would have been burned out, he would somehow find the time, of his own volition, to stop and chat with a gardener, check up on an FS child, or deposit a handwritten note of appreciation to an embassy officer’s desk. I honestly do not believe there was anyone more qualified in the Foreign Service to be that ambassador at that time. So, do we need to reform the dreadful role of money in our elections that can lead to donors buying ambassadorships? Absolutely. But I, for one, will keep a more open mind about political appointees. Stuart Denyer FSO U.S. Embassy Cairo n Share your thoughts about this month’s issue. Submit letters to the editor: journal@afsa.org
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