Washington, D.C. – Casper and Ouagadougou may not seem to have much in common but for one Casper native the two cities represent a birth place and a possible work place.

Today, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee held a confirmation hearing for J. Thomas Dougherty, a nominee for U.S. ambassador to the West African Republic of Burkina Faso. U.S. Senators Mike Enzi and John Barrasso, both R-Wyo., spoke in support of his nomination.

“This is a proud day for the whole State of Wyoming. I am proud that an outstanding Wyoming native has been nominated to contribute to the important foreign policy goals of the United States in Africa,” said Enzi.

“I am pleased to see another highly qualified, skilled individual from the great state of Wyoming nominated for this important position. With Mr. Dougherty’s knowledge and experience, I am confident he would do a wonderful job leading our country’s diplomatic efforts in Burkina Faso,” said Barrasso.  

President Obama selected Casper native, J. Thomas Dougherty, who most recently served as the Minister Counselor for Public Affairs at the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad, Iraq, as the next U.S. Ambassador to Burkina Faso. Dougherty will be in charge of the U.S. Embassy in the capital of Ouagadougou if confirmed.

Dougherty has worked in the Foreign Service since 1989 and served in several posts in Africa, Europe and the Middle East.        

The Senate Foreign Relations Committee vote on Dougherty’s nomination is possible before the Senate adjourns the second week of August.

Jeanine Jackson, of Sheridan, served as the U.S. Ambassador to Burkina Faso from 2006-09.                                                                                                                        

For video from Enzi and Barrasso’s statements, click here.
For audio from Enzi and Barrasso’s statements, click here.
For Enzi’s full statement, click here.