Ambassador Mark Toner, a seasoned diplomat and career member of the Senior Foreign Service, has finally arrived in Monrovia to assume his role as the new U.S. Ambassador to Liberia.
Bringing with him a wealth of experience from various high-profile positions within the U.S. Department of State, Ambassador Toner’s appointment is set to further strengthen U.S.-Liberia relations.
Toner’s Pedigree
Most recently, Ambassador Toner served as the Acting Assistant Secretary for the Bureau of Global Public Affairs, where he played a key role in shaping the communication strategies of U.S. foreign policy.
Prior to this, he held the position of Minister Counselor for Public Diplomacy at the U.S. Embassy in Paris, France, where he enhanced U.S. cultural and public diplomacy efforts in one of America’s principal allied nations.
In Washington, D.C., Ambassador Toner was the Senior Advisor for the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe. He has also served as the State Department’s Deputy Spokesperson and Acting Spokesperson under three successive Secretaries of State, as well as Deputy Assistant Secretary in the Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs.
His extensive portfolio also includes his role as Spokesperson for the U.S. Mission to NATO and as Senior Watch Officer in the State Department’s Emergency Operations Center. As a Pearson Fellow, he worked on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, gaining invaluable legislative experience.
Ambassador Toner, who arrived in Monrovia on Friday, August 2, 2024, has a special connection to Liberia, having spent three years as a Peace Corps Volunteer in the country early in his career. This unique experience provides him with a deep understanding of Liberia’s culture and challenges, which will be invaluable in his new role.
Toner’s Priorities
Toner, who was nominated for the Ambassadorial post in March 2023 by President Joe Biden, seemed like a natural fit, given his early career experience in Liberia as a Peace Corps Volunteer. But to finally get him confirmed and moving, it would take more than 15 months.
Addressing the U.S. Congressional Foreign Relations Committee at his confirmation hearing on Friday, October 20, 2023, he stated that Liberia, as a steadfast partner of the United States, shall endeavor to increase investment opportunities for U.S. businesses and promote inclusive economic development focused on job creation, providing much-needed opportunities for a population in which the median age is 19 ½ years.
Toner noted that the onus, ultimately, is on Liberia’s political leaders to increase transparency and tackle corruption, as both are integral to establishing the conditions necessary to attract responsible foreign investment.
“We must apply this same approach to human rights, as Liberia’s justice sector works to address reported cases of gender-based violence, forced child labor, and human trafficking, as well as the legacy of war crimes. These abuses must be confronted for their own sake as well as to ensure a broader system of accountability, good governance, and rule of law.”
“If confirmed, I look forward to building on the outstanding work the previous Ambassador and his excellent team have done to assist with the many challenges facing Liberia. I am optimistic that the United States can work with its partners in the Liberian government and people to help strengthen their democracy and secure a brighter, more prosperous future for the next generation,” he told the U.S. Congressional Foreign Relations Committee.
Ambassador Toner holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Notre Dame and a Master of Arts degree from the Industrial College of the Armed Forces in Washington, D.C. He is fluent in French and Polish and has received multiple performance awards from the State Department, underscoring his dedication and exceptional service.
Accompanied by his wife and their four daughters, Ambassador Toner’s arrival is a significant event, marking the beginning of a new chapter in U.S.-Liberia diplomatic relations. His extensive experience and personal connection to Liberia are expected to greatly benefit bilateral cooperation and foster stronger ties between the two nations.
