Jennifer Wicks McNamara confirmed as first female US ambassador to Vietnam

The Senate approved her nomination on May 18, U.S. time, clearing the way for McNamara to succeed Marc E. Knapper, whose four-year term ended on January 18.

In testimony before the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee on December 11, 2025, McNamara highlighted the strategic importance of the Indo-Pacific region and Vietnam’s role in U.S. foreign policy.

U.S. President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio have underscored the geopolitical significance of the Indo-Pacific, where Vietnam is considered one of the United States’ most important partners in the region, she said.

“A strong, independent, and resilient Vietnam is in the United States’ interest,” McNamara stated.

She also noted that the two countries established diplomatic relations 30 years earlier and elevated ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership in 2023.

“If confirmed, I will advocate foremost for U.S. interests in this vibrant bilateral relationship, focusing on defense and security cooperation, trade and investment, and people-to-people ties,” she said.

McNamara also pointed to strong growth in bilateral trade in recent years and said there are significant opportunities for shared economic expansion.

She expected to expand market access for U.S. goods and services, support more resilient and diversified supply chains, and encourage Vietnamese investment in the United States.

According to the U.S. Department of State, McNamara is a career Civil Service employee with nearly 31 years of experience in the U.S. government.

She began her career in the U.S. Army at a base in Seoul, South Korea, before taking on leadership and management roles for the military in Hawaii and Virginia.

She joined the State Department in 2003 and went on to hold several senior positions, including chief of staff in the Office of U.S. Foreign Assistance Resources, senior advisor for Legislative and Public Affairs to the Under Secretary of State for Management, and special assistant to the Assistant Secretary of State for Administration.

Since November 2012, she has served as director of the Office of Presidential Appointments at the State Department, working under four U.S. presidents.

She earned a Master of Science degree in National Security Strategy from the National War College in 2008 and a Master of Public Administration degree from American University in 2003.