U.S. Secretary of StateJohn Kerry appointed Ambassador Kenney as Counselor of the State Department on February 12, 2016.[4] In this role, Ambassador Kenney "provides strategic guidance to the Secretary on foreign policy, undertakes efforts to enhance U.S. diplomacy and public outreach, and conducts special diplomatic assignments as directed by the Secretary."[5]
At the State Department, she was appointed overseas as economic counselor at the United States Mission to International Organizations in Geneva, economic officer at the U.S. Embassy in Argentina, and consular officer at the U.S. embassy in Jamaica. Back home, she was appointed as director of the State Department Operations Center, a detail to the White House as a member of the National Security Council staff, and political-military officer in the Office of NATO Affairs.
Kenney served as Executive Secretary of the State Department before becoming senior advisor to the assistant secretary for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement. She worked for both Secretaries of State Madeleine Albright and Colin Powell and led the State Department's transition team from the Clinton to George W. Bush administration.
Kenney announced her retirement from the State Department in April 2017.[8]
In addition to policy outreach, she has focused on reaching out to women and minority groups to encourage interest in public service careers.[11] She has undertaken domestic travel, including to discuss careers in public service with young Americans.[12]
She launched the State Department's first podcast, "Conversations on Leadership," which "gives a behind the scenes insights from Department leaders" and "offer a window into various thought and decision-making processes."[13]
In advance of the 2016 U.S. presidential election, Kenney was designated by Secretary Kerry as the lead Transition Coordinator for the State Department. In this role, she represented the State Department on the White House's Agency Transition Directors Council (ATDC) to ensure the federal government and the State Department implemented a transition from the Obama administration to the Trump administration that was smooth, well-managed, and efficient.[2] She was retained in her position for an extra month by the Trump administration to help manage the arrival of Secretary Rex Tillerson and his team.
In January 2017, she was awarded the Distinguished Service Award by Secretary Kerry "in recognition of exceptionally outstanding leadership, professional competence, and significant accomplishment over a sustained period of time in the field of foreign affairs".[14]
First woman ambassador to the Kingdom of Thailand
Kenney was confirmed by the U.S. Senate as the first female U.S. Ambassador to Thailand on September 29, 2010.[15] In her confirmation testimony before the Senate, Kenney noted the long U.S.-Thai treaty alliance "based on a common set of values that define our two peoples" and noted that the relationship "provides important benefits to both countries in health, security, trade and investment, in law enforcement cooperation, and in humanitarian assistance to refugees.[16]
Kenney was known in Thailand for her active use of social media for official and personal diplomacy and use of Thai language for social media messages and videos.[20][21] The Thai public reacted positively, with her outreach called a "charm offensive" and resulting in a great deal of social engagement with the U.S. Embassy.[20] In 2011, she was awarded the National Thai Language Day award by the prime minister for her high-profile use of the Thai language.[22]
First woman U.S. ambassador to the Philippines
US Ambassador Kenney and Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo present a signed copy of the US Stimulus Law on 23 February 2009.
Regarding the question of U.S. bases, she said: "We are not building any bases in the Philippines, we don't have any plans to have bases, and we don't need any bases."[24] On December 4, 2007, Kristie Kenney turned over seven Navy utility boats and two Boston whalers to the Philippine Navy in ceremonies held at its headquarters along Roxas Boulevard, City of Manila.
Also, Kenney and World Bank country director for the Philippines Bert Hoffman signed the grant agreement of US$750,000 (±₱32mn) at the International Finance Corporation offices in Makati, for the Bangsang Moro Mindanao Trust Fund agency. She earlier announced a US$3mn grant to the Philippines to help promote family planning in the workplace and American donation of US$38,000 for the preservation of Banaue Rice Terraces.[25]
On November 19, 2009, U.S. President Barack Obama designated Harry K. Thomas Jr. to replace Kenney.[26] Philippine media reported that Kenney, widely known to have become fond of her post, felt "heartbroken" at the thought of leaving it,[27] quoting her Facebook status update, which reportedly read:
Heart broken to think of leaving the Philippines but know it is time for me to plan to return to be with my family. Calling on my FB friends to help me not be sad but to enjoy and savor my remaining months in this lovely country.[27]
Ambassador Kenney is married to former Assistant Secretary of State William Brownfield, who is also a Career Ambassador. She speaks both Spanish and French. She grew up in the suburbs of Washington, D.C., and obtained a bachelor's degree from Clemson University and a master's degree from Tulane University in New Orleans. She also attended the National War College in Washington, D.C.
