Ambassador Alfonso E. Lenhardt

Ambassador Alfonso E. Lenhardt

The Ambassador of the United States of America to the United Republic of Tanzania, Alfonso E. Lenhardt, presented his diplomatic credentials to President Jakaya Kikwete at the State House in Dar es Salaam on Thursday, November 12, 2009. On May 19, 2010, Ambassador Lenhardt was also accredited as the U.S. representative to the East African Community.

From May 2004, Ambassador Lenhardt was the President and CEO of the non-profit National Crime Prevention Council (NCPC). He was also Senior Vice President of Government Relations for The Shaw Group. On September 4, 2001, Ambassador Lenhardt was appointed the 36th Sergeant-at-Arms of the United States Senate and became the first African-American to serve as an officer of the Congress. He also served as the executive vice president and chief operating officer of the Council on Foundations.

Ambassador Lenhardt retired from the U.S. Army in August 1997 as a Major General with more than 30 years of service in leadership positions.

Ambassador Lenhardt was born in New York City and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Nebraska, a Master of Arts in Public Administration from Central Michigan University, and a Master of Science in the Administration of Justice from Wichita State University.

Ambassador Lenhardt and his wife Jacqueline have three daughters and three grandchildren.