Ambassador Henry Wooster appointed as US Chargé d’Affaires in Haiti

The United States has appointed Ambassador Henry T. Wooster as the new Chargé d’Affaires at its embassy in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, effective June 12. The announcement was made on Friday, May 30, by Secretary of State Marco Rubio in a statement. Rubio emphasized Wooster’s role in leading a comprehensive U.S. policy approach in Haiti and coordinating with international partners supporting Haitian security forces.

“Ambassador Wooster has had a long and distinguished career, including service at Embassy Port au Prince, as Ambassador to Jordan, and in the U.S. Army,” the U.S. Secretary of State said. “Given his extensive background in Washington and his proven leadership record overseas, he is the right person to lead this mission at a critical time.”

Wooster brings over three decades of diplomatic and military experience to his new position. He is a career member of the Senior Foreign Service, class of Minister-Counselor, and has held numerous significant roles, including:

• Ambassador to Jordan fro 2020 to 2023, where he served under both the Trump and Biden administrations.
• Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for the Maghreb and Egypt, providing strategic direction on U.S. policy in North Africa and the Middle East.
• Deputy Chief of Mission at U.S. embassies in Paris and Amman, and Political Counselor in Islamabad.
• Director for Central Asia at the National Security Council and Foreign Policy Advisor to the Commanding General of the U.S. Joint Special Operations Command.

Wooster’s educational background includes a Bachelor of Arts from Amherst College and a Master of Arts from Yale University. He served as an officer in the U.S. Army Reserve from 1985 to 2009.

His appointment comes at a critical time for Haiti, as the country faces escalating violence and political instability. Wooster’s extensive experience in complex diplomatic environments is expected to be instrumental in advancing U.S. interests and supporting Haiti’s path toward stability and democratic governance.

Wooster will replace current Ambassador Dennis B. Hankins, who is retiring after nearly 40 years of diplomatic career. He took the post last year after being confirmed by the U.S. Senate on a bipartisan roll call vote of 89 to 1. 

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