Veteran US official Jennifer Wicks McNamara nominated as next ambassador to Vietnam

The nomination comes as outgoing Ambassador Marc Knapper is expected to conclude his term on January 18.

McNamara was tapped to succeed Knapper at a time when Vietnam-U.S. relations continue to deepen across diplomacy, security, and economic cooperation.

She currently serves as Director of the White House Office of Presidential Appointments, a high-profile position she has held since November 2012 across four U.S. presidential administrations.

In this role, she regularly engages with senior officials at the White House and the Department of State.

Although she does not come from a traditional diplomatic background, McNamara began her career in the U.S. military, serving in Seoul, South Korea before taking on a range of leadership and management roles for the armed forces in Hawaii and Virginia.

She later held several senior positions at the Department of State, 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.

A career civil servant with nearly 31 years of experience in the U.S. government, McNamara has developed a deep understanding of policy and management issues.

The State Department said her background, combined with extensive interagency and legislative experience, makes her 'well qualified to serve as U.S. ambassador to Vietnam.'

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

In testimony before U.S. lawmakers last month, McNamara shared details of her personal background, saying she grew up in Minnesota to parents who were both teachers. She is married and has one daughter.

Speaking about the prospective ambassadorial post, she underscored the geopolitical and strategic importance of the Indo-Pacific region, describing Vietnam as one of Washington's most important partners.

"A strong, independent and resilient Vietnam is in the United States' interest," she said.

If approved by the Senate, McNamara said she would prioritize advancing U.S. interests in the dynamic bilateral relationship, focusing on defense and security cooperation, trade and investment, and people-to-people exchanges.

On trade, she said bilateral commerce between the two countries has expanded rapidly in recent years, creating significant opportunities for deeper economic cooperation.

"If confirmed, I will promote equitable market access for U.S. goods and services, including technology, energy and agricultural products; support the development of resilient, diversified supply chains; and encourage Vietnamese investment in the United States," she said.