Send-Off Reception for Ambassador Whitaker

The new US Ambassador to Colombia, Kevin Whitaker, is taking over one of the most strategic diplomatic positions in the Western Hemisphere. A key political and economic ally to the United States, Colombia is also an important free-trade partner. Strong democratic institutions and a thriving economy point to a prosperous future, one where Colombia increasingly asserts its leadership on the global stage.

On April 22, the Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center hosted a private send-off reception for Ambassador Whitaker before he leaves for Bogotá. Several diplomats, business leaders, security officials, academics, and NGO leaders—including Colombian Ambassador Luis Villegas and Inter-American Development Bank President Luis Alberto Moreno—exchanged thoughts on US priorities for Colombia.

Ambassador Whitaker has had a long and distinguished career in the Foreign Service. Most recently, he served as deputy assistant secretary of state for South America in the Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs, director of the Office of Andean Affairs, and deputy chief of mission to Venezuela.​