The U.S. Embassy in Beirut announced the arrival of Ambassador Lisa Johnson in Lebanon yesterday, Thursday. Ambassador Johnson previously served as the U.S. Ambassador to Namibia and has recently held leadership positions at the International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Office at the State Department in Washington. Upon her arrival, Ambassador Johnson stated, "It is an honor for me, and I am delighted to return to Lebanon to lead the U.S. Embassy in Beirut, where I previously worked from 2002 to 2004. This is a difficult time, and I appreciate the significance of the challenges Lebanon faces. At the same time, I have a deep admiration for the vitality of the Lebanese people and confidence in Lebanon's ability to succeed. Now, more than ever, it is time for Lebanon to find a sense of unity and purpose in the common desire of all its people for peace, prosperity, and a brighter future."
The statement included Ambassador Johnson's biography: Lisa Johnson, a senior member of the diplomatic service with the rank of Minister-Counselor, was confirmed by the U.S. Senate as Ambassador to the Lebanese Republic on December 14, 2023. She served as the U.S. Ambassador to Namibia from 2018 to 2021, and before that held the position of Chargé d'Affaires in Nassau, Bahamas from 2014 to 2017. Prior to her appointment in Lebanon, Ambassador Johnson was the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement (INL) and also served as Deputy Assistant Secretary for INL for Europe and Asia. She briefly held the position of Deputy Commandant and Advisor for International Affairs at the National War College. Ambassador Johnson's previous roles in Washington included serving as Director for Middle East Affairs at the National Security Council (NSC); Senior Advisor for South and Central Asia at the Vice President’s Office; and Director of the International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Office for Africa and the Middle East. She has also served in various overseas positions in Islamabad, Pakistan; Beirut, Lebanon; Pretoria, South Africa; and Luanda, Angola. Additionally, she was detailed to the office of the NATO Secretary General in Brussels.
Ambassador Johnson was born in Iowa and raised near Seattle, Washington. She graduated from Stanford University with a Bachelor’s degree in Political and Economic Science, then obtained a Master’s degree in International Affairs from Columbia University and a Master of Science in National Security Strategy from the National War College. In 2023, Ambassador Johnson received the Distinguished Presidential Rank Award along with seven Superior Honor Awards in Foreign Service.
