Joseph Cella

Joseph James Cella (/ˈdʒoʊzəf ˈsɛlə/;[1] born November 14, 1969) is an American diplomat and adviser, serving as the United States Ambassador to Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, Tonga and Tuvalu.[2] He was confirmed on September 25, 2019 and sworn in to office on November 25, 2019.[3]

Joseph Cella
16th United States Ambassador to Fiji
Assumed office
November 25, 2019
Appointed byDonald Trump
Preceded byMichael B. Goldman (chargé d'affaires)
13th United States Ambassador to Kiribati
Assumed office
November 25, 2019
Appointed byDonald Trump
Preceded byMichael B. Goldman (chargé d'affaires)
14th United States Ambassador to Nauru
Assumed office
November 25, 2019
Appointed byDonald Trump
Preceded byMichael B. Goldman (chargé d'affaires)
16th United States Ambassador to Tonga
Assumed office
November 25, 2019
Appointed byDonald Trump
Preceded byMichael B. Goldman (chargé d'affaires)
14th United States Ambassador to Tuvalu
Assumed office
November 25, 2019
Appointed byDonald Trump
Preceded byMichael B. Goldman (chargé d'affaires)
Personal details
Born
Joseph James Cella

(1969-11-14) November 14, 1969
Richmond, Michigan, U.S.
Spouse(s)Kristen Renee Hemker
Children7
MotherJanice Jean Cox
FatherRobert Cella
EducationHillsdale College (BA)
Occupation
WebsiteGovernment website

A graduate of Hillsdale College, Cella has worked in the Capital Hill office of U.S. Representative Thaddeus McCotter.[4] Before becoming a senior adviser to the House Republican Steering Committee and Republican Policy Committee.[5] In 2004, he founded the National Catholic Prayer Breakfast along with, Rick Santorum, and Leonard Leo.[6] During the 2016 United States presidential election he served as lead Catholic advisory council, for then Republican candidate, Donald Trump.[7] Cella was also apart of the President-Elect Trump Transition Team.[8]

Education and personal life

Joseph James Cella was born on November 14, 1969, to his father, Robert Cella, and his mother, Janice Jean Cox.[9] He was raised in Richmond, Michigan and graduated from Hillsdale College in 1991.[5][10] He lives in Augusta Charter Township, Michigan outside of Ann Arbor with his wife Kristen Renee Hemker, and their seven children.[11]

Religious work

Cella is a Roman Catholic.[12] In 2004, he founded the National Catholic Prayer Breakfast along with, Rick Santorum, and Leonard Leo. Which was created in response to Pope John Paul II's call for a new evangelization.[13] It has featured many notable guest speakers like, President George W. Bush, Chief Justice John Roberts, Paul Ryan, Raymond Leo Burke, Samuel Alito, and Antonin Scalia.[14]

He has also co-founded the Catholic advocacy organization Catholic Vote.[15] Its main purpose, according to its website is:

"(CatholicVote) is a lay-led movement of committed Catholics who are passionate about living out the truths proclaimed by Christ and His Church in the modern world. We are joined in this mission by many individuals of other faith traditions (and no faith tradition) because the common good we seek is universal to all men and women of good will.".[16]

It has grown to over 700,000 members, as of 2019.[17]

Political career

Cella was a staff member in the Capital Hill office of Michigan Representative Thaddeus McCotter before becoming a senior adviser to the House Republican Steering Committee and Republican Policy Committee.[5]

During the 2016 United States presidential election he served as lead Catholic advisory council, for then Republican candidate, Donald Trump. Cella was also apart of the President-Elect Trump Transition Team.[18]

But, even though Cella led the Trump Campaign's Catholic advisory council during the 2016 election, Cella has not always supported Trump. He was one of several Catholic leaders to sign onto an open letter in March 2016 opposing his candidacy for the Republican nomination for president. They “called Trump ‘manifestly unfit to be president of the United States,’ citing his “vulgarity,’ his appeals to racial and ethnic fears, and questioning his commitment to ending abortion.” He later went on record saying he had “a sincere change of heart and mind” when Trump said he would appoint anti-abortion judges in the mold of Antonin Scalia.[5]

In 2019, U.S. Senators voted 56-38 to approve Cella as ambassador to Fiji, an archipelago of more than 300 islands northeast of New Zealand, as well as the republics of Kiribati and Nauru, the kingdom of Tonga and Tuvalu. Cella's home state of Michigan, and it's Senators Debbie Stabenow and Gary Peters voted no, along with most other Democrats in the chamber. Cella's nomination was approved 14-7 by the Senate Foreign Relations Committee in April, with seven Democrats voting no.[5]

Political positions

Social issues

Cella is pro-life,[19] is against partial-birth abortion,[20] and supports anti-abortion legislation.[21]

Cella calls for more school choice,[22] and wants to end Common Core.[23]

Climate change

When asked by Senator Shaheen on the Senate Floor, if he believes in global warming and that human activity is contributing to it, Cella said:

"Yes, Senator, it is happening, I think it is human and I think there's some natural involvement as well. But in my capacity I would work with you and in the administration to mitigate whatever we might — how we might do it."[24]

Cella also said climate change would be one of his immediate priorities to relinquish, along with human trafficking, as Ambassador to Fiji.[25]

Economy

Cella is a free-market capitalist,[26] and said when he becomes Ambassador to Fiji his key goals will be, "the further cultivation and showcasing of democratic, free market principles rooted in each country’s right to choose its own sovereign course", and "fostering vibrant economies through free, fair, and reciprocal trade and expansion of tourism.".[27]

He also said, regarding his ambassadorial countries that, "The island nations are an increasingly important component for the strength of our commitment, presence and relations in the Indo-Pacific; for its free and open nature, sustaining democratic principles, the rule of law, and market-based economies.".[28]

Foreign policy

Cella has attempted to make talks with Attorney General and Minister of the Economy Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, the State Department, and the state of Texas, for having more bilateral trade opportunities, and for stimulating business and investment with the country of Fiji.[29]

Diplomatic career

Early actions
Joseph Cella's first press conference, as Ambassador to Fiji

Joseph Cella was presented his credentials to be the United States Ambassador to Fiji on December 23, 2019, by President Jioji Konrote.[30]

He said, his main priorities within his first 30 days was to be a "very active, aggressive bridge builder, and public engager".[31] One month later, Cella's Embassy put into effect a year long campaign that highlights the, "...commitment to the Indo-Pacific region through joint efforts to promote good governance, advance sustained economic prosperity, improve human development, develop resilience programs, and strengthen regional maritime security partnerships.".[32] Also, to commemorate "...75 years of peace in the Pacific and Europe, following the end of World War II, as well as 50 years of building bridges between the United States and the Republic of Fiji since gaining independence in 1970."[33]

On January 30, Cella met with General Joseph Lengyel, a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff of the United States, to "emphasize the importance of Fiji’s State Partnership Program with the Nevada National Guard".[34] This also brought to light, a state partnership program between Fiji and Nevada that was signed in February 2019, and includes regular training exchanges between the RFMF and American National Guard forces.[35]

Cella was also able to help the Fiji Red Cross Society set up a blood drive. He was their first ever blood donor.[36]

COVID-19 pandemic

During the COVID-19 Pandemic, Cella was able to get an additional US$9.9 million for his ambassadorial countries, through the United States Agency for International Development. Its original USAID funding was US$2.3 million, bringing it now to US$12.2 million. A 430% increase in funding.[37] Cella was also able to obtain 1,400 liters of hand sanitizer, 1,000 boxes of sanitizing wipes, 9,000 face masks, 500 surgical gowns, and 50,000 pairs of latex gloves, and power generators from relief supplies.[38] He also got Fiji’s leading alcohol beverages manufacturer, Paradise Beverages Limited, to donate another 1,400 litres of manufactured hand sanitizers towards the Health Ministry’s fight against COVID-19.[39] General Manager of Paradise Beverages, Mike Spencer, said that "they were fortunate that the US Embassy has come on board and contribute to this because if they did this themselves, they could not do it for long.".[40]

As of July 18, 2020, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic in Fiji has only has had 26 cases, with 0 confirmed deaths.[41]

Cella has also been involved in on the ground charity work, helping the Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission, during the pandemic. Cella's embassy has made donations to food banks that help people, and families impacted by COVID-19.[42]

On Ramadan amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic, he made this statement[43]:

"I would like to wish all those honoring the Holy Month of Ramadan in Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, Tonga and Tuvalu a hearty ‘Ramadan Kareem.’ This is a month introspection to focus on sharing, charity work, worship and reading holy texts.

I know this month of fasting is normally filled with happy gatherings with friends and family joining to break the fast and share food. With the current COVID-19 crisis these traditional gatherings will only be among family or through virtual meetings. However, it can still be a time to focus on sharing with the community. I am proud to support the Veilomani Food Bank in Fiji and encourage others to share what they can to help all Fijians in need.

...On behalf of the U.S. Embassy family and my family – Kristen, Francesca, John Paul, Dominic, Rita Rose, Mariana, Anthony, and Joseph – I wish all those celebrating Ramadan, a peaceful, healthy, and blessed Ramadan."

In July, Cella joined Government of Fiji officials and donor partners to launch “Health Care on Air,” a radio program that boosted the capacity of health workers to protect themselves and deliver quality health services to communities during COVID-19 pandemic.[44] The “Health Care on Air” Program is targeted towards health workers living in remote areas, who may not have access to a television or online training.[45]

Economic policies

Cella had also made talks with Attorney General and Minister of the Economy Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, the State Department, and the state of Texas, for having more bilateral trade opportunities, and for stimulating business and investment with the country of Fiji.[46]

Ambassador Cella speaks to the press, regarding the COVID-19 funds

Then, in May of 2020, Cella's Embassy requested grant proposals of US$25,000-$40,000 to support economic resilience in Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, Tonga, and Tuvalu at the grassroots level during the COVID-19 pandemic. The initiative was also part of a host of activities by the U.S. Embassy in Suva and the Department of State in Washington, D.C. to promote economic growth and build a robust trade relationship between the United States and its allies in the region.[47] If accepted, the money comes on a date between July 1, and September 30.[48]

In June, he hosted a series of discussions with representatives from Fiji’s dynamic export sector, to speak with potential buyers in the United States to learn what Americans want in Fijian goods and how to effectively market to them. They also heard from officials with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which regulates imported food items, on how to meet U.S. standards. The FDA requirements initially intimidated some of the attendees, but after the session learned where to find the information they need to expand their business to the U.S. market.[49]

The second series of discussions focused on importing from the United States. Attendees heard from representatives from a private security company in Fiji, to learn how to bring in U.S. food products, in addition to lessons on how to buy directly from U.S. sellers by officials with the state of Texas and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Executives with Fiji’s largest supermarkets were in attendance and expressed enthusiasm for bringing in more U.S. food products to Fiji.[50]

Social programs
Ambassador Cella shows the signed grant, with representatives from the Women Entrepreneurs Business Council

In June of 2020, Cella signed a grant with the Women Entrepreneurs Business Council (WEBC) to run the Academy of Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) for 60 to 90 Fijian women business owners.[51] The grant will allow for trained facilitators from WEBC and the Makoi Women’s Vocational Center to guide women business owners through a training program. The facilitators, who are also local business experts, will lead sessions in vital areas of entrepreneurship and business management while addressing Fiji-specific topics useful to entrepreneurs.[52]

In July, Cella officially launched the English Access Microscholarship Program (Access).[53] VisionFiji, a local NGO focused on children’s welfare, received a grant to manage the two-year program for teenagers residing in the settlement of Wakanisila, on the outskirts of Suva. This is the first Access program ever to be held in the Pacific.[54] Since its inception in 2004, approximately 150,000 students in more than 80 countries have participated in the Access Program.[55]

References
  1. "Ambassador Cella's message to Kiribati" on YouTube
  2. https://fj.usembassy.gov/new-u-s-ambassador-to-fiji-kiribati-nauru-tonga-and-tuvalu-joseph-cella/
  3. Burke, Melissa Nann (September 25, 2019). "Senate approves Michigan's Cella to be Fiji ambassador". The Detroit News. Retrieved December 5, 2019.
  4. https://fj.usembassy.gov/our-relationship/our-ambassador/#:~:text=Cella%20served%20as%20the%20Catholic,four%20boys%20and%20three%20girls.
  5. Burke, Melissa Nann (February 13, 2018). "Trump nominates Michigan's Cella as ambassador to Fiji". The Detroit News. Retrieved December 5, 2019.
  6. https://books.google.com/books?id=rFY0CgAAQBAJ&lpg=PA25&dq=National%20Catholic%20Prayer%20Breakfast&pg=PA25#v=onepage&q&f=false
  7. https://fj.usembassy.gov/our-relationship/our-ambassador/#:~:text=Cella%20served%20as%20the%20Catholic,four%20boys%20and%20three%20girls.
  8. https://fj.usembassy.gov/our-relationship/our-ambassador/#:~:text=Cella%20served%20as%20the%20Catholic,four%20boys%20and%20three%20girls.
  9. http://www.allgov.com/news/top-stories/u-s-ambassador-to-fiji-kiribati-nauru-tonga-and-tuvalu-who-is-joseph-cella-180220?news=860421
  10. "Hillsdale College Alumnus Nominated As U.S. Ambassador to Fiji". Hillsdale College. Retrieved December 5, 2019.
  11. http://bellevilleareaindependent.com/augusta-twp-resident-joseph-cella-approved-as-ambassador-to-fiji/
  12. https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/politics/2019/09/25/senate-confirmation-joe-cella-ambassador-fiji/2385104001/
  13. https://books.google.com/books?id=rFY0CgAAQBAJ&lpg=PA25&dq=National%20Catholic%20Prayer%20Breakfast&pg=PA25#v=onepage&q&f=false
  14. https://www.state.gov/cella-joseph-james-republic-of-fiji-kiribati-nauru-kingdom-of-tonga-and-tuvalu-february-2019/
  15. https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/politics/2019/09/25/senate-confirmation-joe-cella-ambassador-fiji/2385104001/
  16. https://catholicvote.org/mission/
  17. https://www.state.gov/cella-joseph-james-republic-of-fiji-kiribati-nauru-kingdom-of-tonga-and-tuvalu-february-2019/
  18. https://fj.usembassy.gov/our-relationship/our-ambassador/#:~:text=Cella%20served%20as%20the%20Catholic,four%20boys%20and%20three%20girls.
  19. https://catholicvote.org/five-questions-with-joseph-cella/
  20. https://catholicvote.org/five-questions-with-joseph-cella/
  21. https://catholicvote.org/five-questions-with-joseph-cella/
  22. https://catholicvote.org/five-questions-with-joseph-cella/
  23. https://catholicvote.org/five-questions-with-joseph-cella/
  24. https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/politics/2019/09/25/senate-confirmation-joe-cella-ambassador-fiji/2385104001/
  25. https://www.fijitimes.com/us-ambassador-cella-loves-fiji/
  26. https://www.foreign.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/050918_Cella_Testimony.pdf
  27. https://www.foreign.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/050918_Cella_Testimony.pdf
  28. https://www.foreign.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/050918_Cella_Testimony.pdf
  29. https://www.fijivillage.com/news/All-of-the-fundamentals-for-explosive-growth-between-the-US-and-Fiji-lie-eagerly-in-wait---PM-x5fr84/
  30. https://fijisun.com.fj/2019/12/24/new-us-ambassador-to-fiji-cella-presents-his-credentials/#:~:text=More%20on%20NATION&text=Joseph%20James%20Cella%20is%20new,State%20House%20in%20Suva%20yesterday.
  31. https://www.fijitimes.com/us-ambassador-cella-loves-fiji/
  32. https://fj.usembassy.gov/u-s-embassy-launches-75-years-of-peace-and-pacific-bridges-campaigns/?_ga=2.49221679.825656532.1595022917-293785635.1595022917
  33. https://fj.usembassy.gov/u-s-embassy-launches-75-years-of-peace-and-pacific-bridges-campaigns/?_ga=2.49221679.825656532.1595022917-293785635.1595022917
  34. https://fj.usembassy.gov/general-lengyel-visits-suva-to-promote-state-partnership-program/?_ga=2.16833456.825656532.1595022917-293785635.1595022917
  35. https://fj.usembassy.gov/general-lengyel-visits-suva-to-promote-state-partnership-program/?_ga=2.16833456.825656532.1595022917-293785635.1595022917
  36. https://twitter.com/USEmbassySuva/status/1270145765793566731
  37. https://fj.usembassy.gov/u-s-government-provides-additional-us9-9-million-to-support-covid-19-efforts-in-the-pacific-islands-region/
  38. https://www.fijivillage.com/news/Fiji-receives-175000-worth-of-relief-supplies-from-the-US-4f5r8x/
  39. https://www.fijivillage.com/business/Paradise-Beverages-Limited-donates-1400-litres-of-Hand-sanitizers-to-Health-Ministry-r5x8f4/
  40. https://www.fijivillage.com/business/Paradise-Beverages-Limited-donates-1400-litres-of-Hand-sanitizers-to-Health-Ministry-r5x8f4/
  41. http://www.health.gov.fj/
  42. https://fijisun.com.fj/2020/04/19/fijian-competition-and-consumer-commission-thanks-us-embassy-for-donation-to-veilomani-food-bank/
  43. https://fj.usembassy.gov/ramadan-kareem-from-ambassador-cella/
  44. https://fj.usembassy.gov/u-s-government-supports-health-care-on-air-for-pacific-islands-covid-19-response/
  45. https://fj.usembassy.gov/u-s-government-supports-health-care-on-air-for-pacific-islands-covid-19-response/
  46. https://www.fijivillage.com/news/All-of-the-fundamentals-for-explosive-growth-between-the-US-and-Fiji-lie-eagerly-in-wait---PM-x5fr84/
  47. https://fj.usembassy.gov/u-s-embassy-offers-grant-opportunity-to-promote-grassroots-economic-recovery/?_ga=2.169080804.419188581.1594976819-1419190373.1594976819
  48. https://fj.usembassy.gov/education-culture/grants/
  49. https://fj.usembassy.gov/ambassador-cella-hosts-fiji-forward-roundtable-on-imports-and-exports/
  50. https://fj.usembassy.gov/ambassador-cella-hosts-fiji-forward-roundtable-on-imports-and-exports/
  51. https://fj.usembassy.gov/u-s-embassy-supports-local-women-entrepreneurs-with-academy-webc/?_ga=2.11082557.825656532.1595022917-293785635.1595022917
  52. https://fj.usembassy.gov/u-s-embassy-supports-local-women-entrepreneurs-with-academy-webc/?_ga=2.11082557.825656532.1595022917-293785635.1595022917
  53. https://fj.usembassy.gov/u-s-embassy-launches-english-language-program-for-local-youth/
  54. https://fj.usembassy.gov/u-s-embassy-launches-english-language-program-for-local-youth/
  55. https://fj.usembassy.gov/u-s-embassy-launches-english-language-program-for-local-youth/
Government offices
Preceded by
Judith Beth Cefkin		 United States Ambassador to Fiji
2019–present		 Incumbent
Preceded by
Judith Beth Cefkin		 United States Ambassador to Kiribati
2019–present		 Incumbent
Preceded by
Judith Beth Cefkin		 United States Ambassador to Nauru
2019–present		 Incumbent
Preceded by
Judith Beth Cefkin		 United States Ambassador to Tonga
2019–present		 Incumbent
Preceded by
Judith Beth Cefkin		 United States Ambassador to Tuvalu
2019–present		 Incumbent
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