THE Ambassador

Ms. Marcia S. Bernicat
Ambassador of the United States of America
to the Republics of Senegal and Guinea-Bissau

Marcia S. Bernicat was confirmed by the Senate on June 5, 2008 as Ambassador to Senegal and Guinea-Bissau.  The Ambassador is a senior Foreign Service Officer who has 27 years of experience.  Ambassador Bernicat most recently served as Office Director for India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, the Maldives and Bhutan (2006-2008).  Prior to that, she served as Senior Level Division Director in the Office of Career Development and Assignments, (2004-2006).   She also served as the Nepal Desk Officer (1988-1990); special assistant to former Deputy Secretary of State (1987-99); and Operations Center Watch Officer (1986-1987).  Internationally, Ambassador Bernicat served as Deputy Chief of Mission at US Embassies in Bridgetown, Barbados (2001-2004) and Lilongwe, Malawi (1998-2001); Principal Officer at the US Consulate General Casablanca, Morocco (1995-1998); Deputy Political Counselor, US Embassy New Delhi, India (1992-1995); Consular Officer, US Consulate General Marseille, France (1984-1986) and Political Officer, US Embassy Bamako, Mali (1982-1984).   Ambassador Bernicat joined the Foreign Service in 1981. 

Prior to her career with the Foreign Service, Ambassador Bernicat worked for Procter & Gamble.  She received a M.S. in Foreign Service from Georgetown University in 1980 and a B.A. in History in 1975 from Lafayette College.  Ambassador Bernicat is married to Olivier Bernicat, with whom she has two teenage sons.  Her languages include French, Hindi and Russian.