Staff and Functions
Chargé d’Affaires ad interim (Chief of Mission) – Ethan A. Goldrich
In the absence of the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, Chargé d’Affaires ad interim (Chief of Mission at interim) is responsible for representing the United States of America in the Republic of Belarus, conducting the Foreign Policy of the United States as well as directing, coordinating and supervising the Embassy personnel under his/her authority.
Consular Section
Please see our Consular Section and Visa Services pages.
Defense Attaché - vacant
The primary mission of the Office of the Defense Attaché is to serve as the in-country representative of the Secretary of Defense. The Defense Attaché is the advisor to the Ambassador on all defense matters and acts as the primary liaison with the Belarusian Ministry of Defense. Additionally, the Office of the Defense Attaché coordinates and processes all administrative actions regarding the Partnership for Peace Initiative, the Defense Security Assistance Program, State Partnership Program, and George C. Marshall Center College of Strategic Studies and Defense Economics cooperation programs.
Management Officer - Andrea F. Gastaldo
The Management Officer is responsible for normal business operations of the Embassy, including overall administrative management of personnel, budget and fiscal matters, real and expendable property, acquisitions, and many other internal operations and services.
Political/Economic Counselor – Christopher J. Panico
Political/Economic Counselor analyzes host country political and economic developments and their potential impact on U.S. interests and advise U.S. business executives on the local political and economic climate. The economic sphere also includes advising on the local investment climate and macroeconomic trends, analyzing and reporting on local trade policies and their potential impact on U.S. interests, and promoting adoption of economic policies by foreign countries which further U.S. interests. Political/Economic Counselor also performs the function of the Embassy spokesperson.
Public Affairs Officer – Carrie K. Lee
information resource outreach administrator;
cultural exchanges administrator
official exchange programs administrator
Public Affairs Officers advise the Chief of Mission and all Embassy personnel on public affairs issues, serving as spokespersons and administrators of U.S. official exchange programs, including those for Fulbright scholars, Muskie fellows, and participants in the International Visitor Leadership Program in the United States. Public Affairs Officers also direct the overseas U.S. Speakers program and manage an array of cultural and information outreach programs overseas, including English language programs and strengthening local libraries.
Regional Security Officer - vacant
Regional security officers are responsible for providing physical, procedural, and personnel security services to U.S. diplomatic facilities and personnel; they also provide local in-country security briefings and threat assessments to business executives.
USAID Country Representative for Belarus – John P. Riordan (based in Kyiv)
United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Country Representative administers a majority of the foreign assistance from the people of the United States to Belarus. This assistance offered both bilaterally and through contributions to international organizations, includes but is not limited to funds for health and social services, support to orphans and vulnerable children, preventing trafficking in persons, economic and business education, improvement of regulatory environment for small and medium size business, agro-tourism in rural communities, and civil society capacity building.