His prior tours as a political officer include Hungary, Egypt, South Africa, Portugal plus a special assignment to Zambia during the civil war in Rhodesia. From 1994 to 1995 he was a Senior Policy Advisor to Assistant Secretary of State for European and Canadian Affairs Richard C. Holbrooke. At the Department of State he was also the Director of the Regional Affairs Office in the Near Eastern and South Asian Bureau.
His previous work included assignments in various countries, including Hungary, Egypt, South Africa, Portugal, and Zambia during a period of conflict. He served as a Senior Policy Advisor to Richard C. Holbrooke, Assistant Secretary of State for European and Canadian Affairs, at the Department of State. Additionally, he held the position of Director of the Regional Affairs Office in the Near Eastern and South Asian Bureau.