U.S. Embassy introduces new Chargé d'Affaires John Ginkel: Has extensive work experience in the Western Balkans

(Patria) - John Ginkel took up his duties as Chargé d'Affaires in Sarajevo in September 2025, the U.S. Embassy in BiH confirmed today.

Ginkel previously served as Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv.

The U.S. Embassy in BiH points out that Ginkel has extensive work experience in the Western Balkans.

He served as Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy in Belgrade, Serbia (2021-2024), Political Counselor in Pristina, Kosovo (2008-2011), and Vice Consul in Sarajevo (2005-2006).

We are pleased to welcome John Ginkel as our Chargé d’Affaires, a.i. Mr. Ginkel has extensive experience in the region, including past assignments at the U.S. Embassies in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, and Kosovo. Read his full bio here: https://t.co/kCUJxKF0TH pic.twitter.com/BLiIi9o9MB

— US Embassy Sarajevo (@USEmbassySJJ) September 12, 2025

In addition, he served as Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, as Deputy Political Counselor at the U.S. Mission to the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, and as Second Secretary at the U.S. Embassy in Riga, Latvia.

In Washington, he previously served as Director of the Office for Afghanistan (2015-2018) and Deputy Director of the Office of Regional Affairs in the Bureau of Counterterrorism at the State Department (2013-2015).

Before joining the U.S. diplomatic service, Ginkel was a Peace Corps volunteer and a Fulbright scholar in Latvia, where he conducted research for his dissertation.

Ginkel holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Pennsylvania and a doctorate from Washington University in St. Louis. He holds the rank of Minister-Counselor.