Former U.S. ambassador and Alabama businesswoman, Lynda “Lindy” Blanchard, has been nominated by former President Donald Trump to function the USA ambassador to the United Nations Companies for Meals and Agriculture, headquartered in Rome, Italy. The announcement marks a return to diplomatic service for Blanchard, who beforehand served as U.S. ambassador to Slovenia from 2019 to 2021.
Blanchard, a Montgomery native, co-founded B&M Administration Firm, an actual property funding agency, and the 100X Improvement Basis, a non-profit group devoted to addressing poverty and enhancing the lives of youngsters worldwide. She holds a level in arithmetic with a minor in pc science from Auburn College.
Throughout her tenure as ambassador to Slovenia, Blanchard labored to strengthen U.S.-Slovenia relations, notably in financial and protection cooperation. Following her diplomatic service, she entered Alabama politics, launching a bid for the U.S. Senate in 2021, earlier than pivoting to the 2022 gubernatorial race, the place she completed second within the Republican main in opposition to incumbent Governor Kay Ivey.
Trump praised Blanchard’s earlier service, stating, “Throughout my first time period, Lynda did an awesome job as U.S. Ambassador to Slovenia. I do know she’s going to work extremely laborious for our nation.”
If confirmed by the Senate, Blanchard will characterize the USA in coordinating worldwide efforts on meals safety, agricultural improvement, and international starvation aid by businesses such because the Meals and Agriculture Group, the Worldwide Fund for Agricultural Improvement, and the World Meals Programme.
Blanchard is married to John Blanchard, a businessman in actual property, and collectively they’ve seven kids, 4 of whom have been adopted internationally. Identified for her philanthropic efforts, she has remained energetic in charity work targeted on supporting kids and households.
Her nomination now heads to the Senate for affirmation.
