Murphy, W. Patrick – Kingdom of Cambodia – July 2019

REPORT FOR THE COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN RELATIONS

UNITED STATES SENATE

SUBJECT:            Ambassadorial Nomination:  Certificate of Demonstrated Competence — Foreign Service Act, Section 304(a)(4)

POST:                  Kingdom of Cambodia

CANDIDATE:     W. Patrick Murphy

Patrick Murphy, a career member of the Senior Foreign Service, class of Minister-Counselor, is currently Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary in the Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs, Department of State. Over 26 years in the Foreign Service, his senior positions include Deputy Assistant Secretary in the Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs (2016-2018); Deputy Chief of Mission and Chargé d’affaires in Bangkok (2013-2016); Acting Special Representative & Policy Coordinator for Burma (2012-2013); and Deputy Chief of Mission at U.S. Embassy Maseru, Lesotho (2006-2008). With extensive experience across Southeast Asia and in multilateral diplomacy, political-military affairs, human rights, and conflict resolution, his leadership and management skills make him an excellent candidate to promote good governance, economic reform, and regional cooperation as U.S. Ambassador to Cambodia.

Previously, Mr. Murphy served in Washington as Director (2011-2012) and Deputy Director for Mainland Southeast Asia (2010-2011), and Laos/Burma Desk Officer (1998-2000), in the Bureau of East Asia and Pacific Affairs; and as Senior Political Advisor, Office of Special Representative for Haiti (2000-2002).  Overseas, he also served as Leader, Ninewa Provincial Reconstruction Team, Mosul, Iraq (2009-2010); Political and Economic Chief, U.S. Embassy Rangoon, Burma (2003-2006); Political and Economic Chief, U.S. Embassy Conakry, Guinea (1995-1998); and Vice Consul, U.S. Consulate General Guangzhou, China (1993-1995).  Prior to joining the Foreign Service, Mr. Murphy was a Resource Economist at the World Wildlife Fund International, a Research Associate at the Overseas Development Council, a French Instructor, and a Peace Corps Volunteer and Trainer in Zaire and Cameroon.

Mr. Murphy earned a B.A. from the University of Vermont, an M.A. from Johns Hopkins University, and an M.S. from the National War College.  He studied at l’Institut Européen des Hautes Études Internationales in Nice, France.  Mr. Murphy is the recipient of 12 notable awards from the State Department, including the Expeditionary Service Award.  He received a Superior Civilian Service Award from the Department of the Army.  Mr. Murphy speaks French, Burmese, Cantonese, and Spanish.