Background
Swing, William Lacy was born on September 11, 1934 in Lexington, North Carolina, United States. Son of Baxter Dermot and Mary Frances (Barbee) Swing.
Swing, William Lacy was born on September 11, 1934 in Lexington, North Carolina, United States. Son of Baxter Dermot and Mary Frances (Barbee) Swing.
AB, Catawba College, 1956. Doctor of Laws (honorary), Catawba College, 1980. Bachelor's Degree, Yale University, 1960.
Postgraduate, Oxford University, England. Postgraduate, University Tuebingen, Germany, 1961. Postgraduate, Hofstra University.
Doctor of Laws (honorary), Hofstra University, 1994. Doctor in Political Science (honorary), Lubumbashi University, Congo, 2007.
Vice consul American Consulate, Port Elizabeth, Republic of South Africa, 1963-1966. International economist Bureau Economic Affairs United States Department State, 1966-1968. Consul, chief consular section American Consulate General, Hamburg, Germany, 1968-1972.
International relations officer, desk officer Federal Republic Germany United States Department State, Washington, 1972-1974. Deputy chief of mission, counselor American Embassy, Bangui, Central African Republic, 1974-1976. Fellow Center for International Affairs Harvard University, 1977-1979.
United States ambassador to People's Republic of Congo United States Department State, 1979-1981, United States ambassador to Republic of Liberia Monrovia, 1981-1985, United States ambassador to South Africa, 1989-1992, United States ambassador to Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1992-1993, United States ambassador to Haiti Port-au-Prince, 1993-1998, United States ambassador to Democratic Republic of the Congo (formerly Zaire), Kinshasha, 1998—2001. Special representative of Sec-General for Western Sahara United Nations, 2001—2003, special representative of Secretary-General for Democratic Republic of Congo, 2003—2008. Director General International Organization Migration, since 2008.
Director Foreign Service Career Development and Assignments, 1985-1987. Senior deputy assistant secretary state for personnel, 1987-1989.
Board directors Outward Bound Foundation South Africa. Member American Academy Diplomacy, Army and Navy Club. Yale Club (Washington and New York City), Harvard Club, International Club, Lions.
Academy Diplomacy
Army and Navy Club. Yale Club (Washington and New York City)
Harvard Club
International Club
Lions.
Tennis, squash.
Married Yuen Fong Cheong. Children: Brian Curtis, Gabrielle.