W. Stuart Symington (diplomat)

Symington served most recently as U.S. Ambassador to the Federal Republic of Nigeria (2016-2019. Previously, he was the Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Central Africa and African Security Affairs (2015-2016), U.S. Special Representaive for the Central African Republic (2014-2016 and Political Advisor to the Commander NORAD/US Northern Command 2011-2014). He served as Ambassador to Rwanda (2008-2011), Ambassador to Djibouti 2006-2008), and Deputy Chief of Mission and Charge' d'affaires in Niger (2001-2003). He was also United States Department of State's Representative at the Joint Forces Staff College in Norfolk, Virginia from 2005-06, Political Officer at the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad, Iraq from 2004-05, and Deputy Director of the Department’s Office of West African Affairs from 2003-05.[3]

Earlier in his career, Symington served in Ecuador, Mexico, SpaIn and Honduras and as a Pearson Fellow in the Office of U.S. Congressman Ike Skelton.[3] Before joining the Department of State he practiced law in Missouri, New York, London, and Paris.

Symington received a B.A. from Brown University and a J.D. from Columbia Law School.[3] He and his spouse Susan Ide Symington have been married for 40 years.