Background
Carson, Johnnie was born on April 7, 1943 in Chicago, Illinois, United States. Son of Dupree and Aretha (Rhodes) Carson.
ambassador federal agency administrator
Carson, Johnnie was born on April 7, 1943 in Chicago, Illinois, United States. Son of Dupree and Aretha (Rhodes) Carson.
He graduated from Drake University with a Bachelor of Arts in History and Political Science in 1965 and later obtained a Master of Arts in International Relations from the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London in 1975.
In 2009 he was nominated to become United States. for African Affairs by President Barack Obama. He resigned in 2013 after four years in the role and following the resignation of Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. Carson is married, has three children, and resides in Reston, Virginia.
Before joining the Foreign Service, Carson was a Peace Corps volunteer in Tanzania from 1965-1968.
Carson joined the United States National Intelligence Council as National Intelligence Officer for Africa in September 2006 after a 37-year career in Foreign Service. Prior to this appointment, Carson served as the Senior Vice President of the National Defense University in Washington District of Columbia (2003–2006).
Carson"s Foreign Service career includes ambassadorships to Kenya (1999–2003), Zimbabwe (1995–1997), and Uganda (1991–1994). And Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Bureau of African Affairs (1997–1999).
Earlier in his career he had assignments in Portugal (1982–1986), Botswana (1986–1990), Mozambique (1975–1978), and Nigeria (1969–1971).
He has also served as desk officer in the Africa section at State"s Bureau of Intelligence and Research (1971–1974). Staff Officer for the Secretary of State (1978–1979), and Staff Director for the Africa Subcommittee of the United States House of Representatives (1979–1982). Upon his departure from the assistant secretaryship, Carson was given accolades from the ambassadors of the ECOWAS countries, who together praised him for extraordinary efforts to bind the United States together with their countries.
In March 2009, Carson was nominated to become United States. for African Affairs by President Barack Obama.
In February 2013, Carson said of the Kenyan elections that the United States wasn"t officially backing any candidate, but “choices have consequences,” reportedly contradicting President Obama"s office after Obama said the decision was "up to the Kenyan people."
In March 2013 it was reported that Carson would be stepping down from his post after serving for 4 years. In May 2013, Carson joined the United States Institute of Peace as a senior adviser.
Carson also serves on the Board of Directors of the National Democratic Institute. On January 15, 2015, he urged increased engagement with Nigeria for both the United States and European partners, to assist in maintaining stability in the light of the upcoming 2015 Nigerian general election, security problems in Northeastern Nigeria, and economic concerns regarding rising oil prices.
Member National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, African Studies Association.
Married Anne Diemer; February 8, 1969. Children: Elizabeth, Michael Dupree, Katherine Anne.