Office of the Chief of Protocol

 

Ambassador Capricia Penavic Marshall was sworn in as Chief of Protocol of the United States on August 3, 2009.

Continuing the long tradition of our nation’s storied diplomats, Protocol plays an essential role in strengthening our bilateral relationships around the globe and advancing the foreign policy goals of the Obama Administration by fostering an environment for successful diplomacy.

Led by Ambassador Marshall, and Deputy Chiefs of Protocol Natalie Jones and Mark Walsh, it is the bureau’s responsibility to extend appropriate hospitality to foreign missions and their visiting leaders, facilitate cultural exchanges with the diplomatic community and ensure their time spent in the United States is positive and productive.

 

While the “Division of Protocol” of the United States was founded in 1928 and was not officially named “the Office of the Chief of Protocol” until 1955, the existence of protocol in international diplomacy is timeless and its practice an enduring guidance in the act of statesmanship.

From the Continental Congress’ creation of the “Committee on Arrangements for the Reception of French Minister Gerard de Rayneval”, the first foreign chief of mission in the United States in 1778, to arranging logistics for numerous visiting Chiefs of State and Heads of Government from around the world at the United Nations General Assembly in New York City and the 2009 Pittsburgh Summit, protocol officers have always welcomed foreign leaders with respect and helped set the stage for foreign relations.

 

Today, the Office of the Chief of Protocol creates the framework for diplomacy through the work of the divisions and units displayed below. We invite you to learn more by exploring this webpage and please sign up on the left to be added to our email list.

 

Visits
From arrival to departure, the Visits Division plans, arranges and executes detailed programs for visiting Chiefs of State and Heads of Government.  

 Date: 09/25/2009 Description: President Barack Obama and other leaders gather for the official G-20 group photo during the Pittsburgh Summit at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. © Official White House Photo by Samantha Appleton

Ceremonials
Working with style, elegance and an acute attention to detail, the Ceremonials Division plans, executes and supports a wide range of ceremonial and official functions hosted by the President, Vice President, Secretary of State, and other high-ranking United States Government officials.

 Date: 03/01/2010 Location: Washington, DC Description: Picture of a Ceremonial dinner. - State Dept Image

Blair House
The Office of the Chief of Protocol maintains and manages one of our nation's greatest historical treasures Blair House, the official guesthouse of the President.

 Date: 03/01/2010 Location: Washington, DC Description: Picture of a room in the Blair House. - State Dept Image

Diplomatic Affairs
The Diplomatic Affairs division oversees the accreditation of foreign Ambassadors and assists the Chief of Protocol in her capacity as the President's personal representative and liaison to foreign Ambassadors in Washington.
Date: 01/18/2012 Description: President Barack Obama receives credentials from Ambassador Gudmundur Arni Steffanson of the Republic of Iceland, in the Oval Office. © White House Image/Lawrence Jackson

Diplomatic Partnerships
Through the exchange of ideas, cultures, and traditions, Diplomatic Partnerships builds upon the Administration's efforts to foster international goodwill and provide the Diplomatic Community with greater understanding of the people, customs, and institutions of the United States.

 Date: 03/01/2010 Location: Washington, DC Description: Diplomatic Partnership event. - State Dept Image

Management
The Management Division is under the direction and supervision of the Executive Director of the Office of the Chief of Protocol, who also serves as the Assistant Chief of Protocol for Management. The Management Division administers the human resources, financial, information management systems, security, and general services sections, and provides guidance and support to all divisions of the Office of the Chief of Protocol.

 Date: 11/16/2010 Location: Washington, DC Description: Office of the Chief of Protocol logo. - State Dept Image

Gifts
The Office of the Chief of Protocol works closely with the staffs of the President, the First Lady, the Vice President and the Secretary of State, to select gifts for foreign dignitaries.

 Date: 03/01/2010 Location: Washington, DC Description: Picture of gifts presented to Foreign Dignitraries. - State Dept Image


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