Bruce G. Berton appointed as First Deputy High Representative

High Representative Valentin Inzko welcomed Bruce G. Berton, an American diplomat, who today assumes the position of Deputy High Representative and Supervisor for Brčko, reports the Patria News Agency.

-The appointment of experienced American diplomat Bruce Berton confirms the continuous commitment of the United States of America to peace and stability in Bosnia and Herzegovina. I am pleased to welcome Mr. Berton who assumes the position of my First Deputy in the OHR, as we continue to work on strengthening BiH to advance on its Euro-Atlantic path,” said the High Representative.

Before coming to Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bruce Berton served as Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy in Bulgaria.

Mr. Berton began his diplomatic service in 1987 and has served in Caracas, Moscow, Bermuda, Hong Kong, Rome, Mexico City, Frankfurt, and Warsaw. He also served as supervisor in the State Department's Operations Center, as well as Director of the State Department's Office of Management Innovation. He is the recipient of numerous State Department awards.

Mr. Berton is from the Pacific Northwest and graduated magna cum laude with a degree in International Relations from Pacific Lutheran University in 1983. Prior to his diplomatic service, he spent three years working for Boeing in Seattle.

Mr. Berton is married and has two children, the OHR announced.