Capricia Marshall

As Chief of Protocol of the United States, bearing the rank of ambassador, from 2009 until 2013, Capricia Penavic Marshall was the United States’ lead representative in setting the stage for successful diplomatic engagement with other nations at the highest levels.

In her role, Marshall, a passionate advocate for global engagement, worked to leverage US relationships with foreign governments. She reinvented modern protocol by building relationships between industry leaders in the United States and economies worldwide and created strategies to transform global engagement. Her innovative approach included the establishment of the Diplomatic Partnerships Division and the Diplomatic Culinary Partnership, which introduced foreign diplomats to U.S. business, government, and community leaders, and enhanced culinary engagement in America's formal and public diplomacy.

Charged with forging and managing relationships with countries around the world, Marshall’s hand was the first extended to welcome presidents, prime ministers, ruling monarchs, and other foreign dignitaries to the United States on behalf of the president and secretary of state. From arrival to departure during six state and official visits, and countless working visits, she managed the details of diplomacy and ensured that the treatment and care of foreign delegations supported the foreign policy objectives of the administration. She hosted the first-ever Global Chiefs of Protocol Conference, promoting dialogue on 21st-century diplomacy and was recognized with The Secretary’s Distinguished Service Award for her outstanding contributions.

Marshall carried out similar responsibilities for international summits hosted by President Obama. For the G20, Nuclear Security, APEC, G8, NATO, and Sunnylands Summits, she worked with counterparts from nearly 200 countries, designing and executing a welcoming, inviting environment that was respectful of each delegation's cultural customs and preferences and emphasized the message and goals of the United States.

Moving beyond traditional methods of engagement, Marshall used her background as a first-generation American of Mexican and Croatian descent to foster international goodwill and cultivate relationships. Through programming under the Diplomatic Partnerships Division, she introduced the foreign diplomatic corps to business, government, and community leaders across America, creating sustained, mutually beneficial partnerships. Examples of such relationships include: the Gabonese Republic and Warner Bros, Trinidad and Tobago and the New Orleans Jazz Festival, Caribbean countries and the Alaskan fishing and shipping industry.

A dedicated advocate for the preservation of American history, Marshall worked with others at State to launch The Patrons of Diplomacy, a successful initiative that raised $20.1 million to create the first permanent endowment to preserve and protect the Diplomatic Reception Rooms and historic collections. The endowment includes funds for important conservation, educational programs, and cultural outreach.