The U.S. Senate confirmed former Delaware Gov. and state Treasurer Jack A. Markell in a voice vote to be the Representative of the United States to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, with the rank of Ambassador.
The 38-nation organization based in Paris champions world trade.
President Joe Biden sent the nomination to Capitol Hill during the summer.
Markell is currently coordinating Afghan refugee resettlement efforts at the request of the president.
Markell, a centrist Democrat, remained out of the spotlight after serving two terms as governor. However, he had long been mentioned as a candidate for a post within the Biden Administration.
He has been devoting time to public policy issues, including workforce development, occasionally writing op/ed pieces for major publications and websites. He also serves on corporate boards.
Markell’s service was praised by the state’s two U.S. senators.
“I’ve known Jack Markell for over two decades: as a steadfast governor for the great state of Delaware, as a prudent state treasurer, as a skilled businessman, and most recently, as a compassionate Coordinator of Operation Allies Welcome, leading the national effort to resettle Afghan refugees across the U.S.,” Carper in remarks on the Senate floor. “He’s someone who senators from both sides of the aisle trust to serve as a steward for American interests abroad. I’m confident that Jack will serve the United States with great distinction as our top diplomat to the OECD.”
“Jack Markell is a dedicated and capable public servant with the experience, intelligence, and character to serve admirably as our ambassador to the OECD,” Coons said. “I’ve had the pleasure to know Jack for decades. Following his remarkable record of achievement in the private sector and in our state government, Jack is well-equipped to navigate this key role that seeks to grow the American and global economy. I’m pleased the Senate came together today to confirm him, and I look forward to supporting his work overseas.”
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