Ambassador Mark Toner, a seasoned diplomat and career member of the Senior Foreign Service, has arrived in Monrovia to assume his role as the new U.S. Ambassador to Liberia. With a wealth of experience from various high-profile positions within the U.S. Department of State, Ambassador Toner’s appointment is set to further strengthen U.S.-Liberia relations.
Most recently, Ambassador Toner served as the Acting Assistant Secretary for the Bureau of Global Public Affairs, where he played a key role in shaping the communication strategies of U.S. foreign policy. Prior to this, he held the position of Minister Counselor for Public Diplomacy at the U.S. Embassy in Paris, France, enhancing U.S. cultural and public diplomacy efforts in one of America’s principal allied nations. In Washington, D.C., he was the Senior Advisor for the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe and served as the State Department’s Deputy Spokesperson and Acting Spokesperson under three successive Secretaries of State. Additionally, he was Deputy Assistant Secretary in the Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs, Spokesperson for the U.S. Mission to NATO, and Senior Watch Officer in the State Department’s Emergency Operations Center. As a Pearson Fellow, he worked on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, gaining invaluable legislative experience.
Ambassador Toner, who arrived in Monrovia on Friday, August 2, 2024, has a special connection to Liberia, having spent three years as a Peace Corps Volunteer in the country early in his career. This unique experience provides him with a deep understanding of Liberia’s culture and challenges, which will be invaluable in his new role. Nominated for the Ambassadorial post in March 2023 by President Joe Biden, Toner’s confirmation took over 15 months. At his confirmation hearing before the U.S. Congressional Foreign Relations Committee on October 20, 2023, he emphasized Liberia’s role as a steadfast partner of the United States and pledged to increase investment opportunities for U.S. businesses and promote inclusive economic development focused on job creation for Liberia’s young population.
Toner highlighted the importance of Liberia’s political leaders increasing transparency and tackling corruption to attract responsible foreign investment. “We must apply this same approach to human rights, as Liberia’s justice sector works to address reported cases of gender-based violence, forced child labor, and human trafficking, as well as the legacy of war crimes. These abuses must be confronted for their own sake as well as to ensure a broader system of accountability, good governance, and rule of law,” he stated.
“If confirmed, I look forward to building on the outstanding work the previous Ambassador and his excellent team have done to assist with the many challenges facing Liberia. I am optimistic that the United States can work with its partners in the Liberian government and people to help strengthen their democracy and secure a brighter, more prosperous future for the next generation,” Toner told the committee.
Ambassador Toner holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Notre Dame and a Master of Arts degree from the Industrial College of the Armed Forces in Washington, D.C. Fluent in French and Polish, he has received multiple performance awards from the State Department, underscoring his dedication and exceptional service.
Accompanied by his wife and their four daughters, Ambassador Toner’s arrival marks the beginning of a new chapter in U.S.-Liberia diplomatic relations. His extensive experience and personal connection to Liberia are expected to greatly benefit bilateral cooperation and foster stronger ties between the two nations.
