Judith Beth Cefkin

Judith Beth Cefkin (born in 1953) is a diplomat and former United States Ambassador to Fiji. She formerly served concurrently as the ambassador to Kiribati, Nauru, Tonga, and Tuvalu, while resident in Suva, Fiji. She was nominated by President Barack Obama[1] and confirmed by the Senate[2] on November 19, 2014.[3] Her term began January 5, 2015.

Judith Beth Cefkin
15th United States Ambassador to Fiji
In office
January 5, 2015 – February 25, 2018
PresidentBarack Obama
Donald Trump
Preceded byFrankie A. Reed
Succeeded byMichael B. Goldman
(acting)
Joseph Cella
12th United States Ambassador to Kiribati
In office
January 5, 2015 – February 25, 2018
PresidentBarack Obama
Donald Trump
Preceded byFrankie A. Reed
Succeeded by
Michael B. Goldman
(acting)
Joseph Cella
13th United States Ambassador to Nauru
In office
January 5, 2015 – February 25, 2018
PresidentBarack Obama
Donald Trump
Preceded byFrankie A. Reed
Succeeded by
Michael B. Goldman
(acting)
Joseph Cella
15th United States Ambassador to Tonga
In office
January 5, 2015 – February 25, 2018
PresidentBarack Obama
Donald Trump
Preceded byFrankie A. Reed
Succeeded by
Michael B. Goldman
(acting)
Joseph Cella
13th United States Ambassador to Tuvalu
In office
January 5, 2015 – February 25, 2018
PresidentBarack Obama
Donald Trump
Preceded byFrankie A. Reed
Succeeded by
Michael B. Goldman
(acting)
Joseph Cella
Personal details
Born1953 (age 66–67)
Colorado, U.S.
Spouse(s)Paul Boyd
Alma materSmith College
London School of Economics

Early life and education

Cefkin was born in Colorado to Rose (née) Mackanick and John Leo Cefkin.[4] She grew up in Ft. Collins, where he father was a professor of political science at Colorado State University.[5] Cefkin attended Smith College, where she earned a B.A. in Government in 1975. She then studied at the London School of Economics and Political Science, earning a master's degree in International Relations in 1977.

Career
Ambassador Judith Cefkin speaks as USNS Mercy arrives at Suva Port, Fiji

After completing graduate studies, Cefkin became a television news producer.[6] She worked as a legislative intern in Washington, D.C. and also worked in the Office of Technology Assessment for Congress.

In 1983 Cefkin embarked on a career in the Foreign Service. Her assignments have included ones in Thailand, France, Mexico and The Philippines. She served as deputy chief of mission at the U.S. Embassy in Bangkok.[7]

Personal life

Cefkin is married to Paul Boyd, a foreign service officer who has also served as a police officer and member of the U.S Special Forces.[8] In addition to English she speaks French, Thai, Bosnian and Spanish.[9]

See also

References
  1. Sen. Ted Cruz: GOP shouldn’t confirm any White House nominees next year The Washington Post, November 19, 2014
  2. The GOP’s filibuster question: Do we use the hammer or the velvet gloves? the Washington Post, November 19, 2014
  3. Judith Beth Cefkin: U.S. Ambassador to Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, Tonga, and Tuvalu U.S. Department of State, accessed March 28, 2016
  4. Rose Cefkin Obituary, Oct 8 2014
  5. U.S. Ambassador to Fiji, Tonga, Kiribati, Tuvalu and Nauru: Who Is Judith Cefkin? AllGov, accessed March 28, 2016
  6. New US ambassador visits newsroom The Fiji Times, February 17, 2015
  7. Marines drink cobra blood, eat insects in jungle survival drills in Thailand New York Daily News, February 13, 2012
  8. Testimony of Judith B. Cefkin Ambassador-Designate to the Republic of Fiji, the Republic of Kiribati, the Republic of Nauru, the Kingdom of Tonga, and Tuvalu U.S. Senate, September 10, 2014
  9. OUTGOING U.S. AMBASSADOR CONGRATULATES HER SUCCESSOR JUDITH CEFKIN The Jet Newspaper, November 20, 2014
Diplomatic posts
Preceded by
Frankie A. Reed		 United States Ambassador to Fiji
2015–2018		 Succeeded by
Michael B. Goldman
Chargé d’Affaires ad interim
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