Diplomat Ruth Davis Named State Department's Director General Of The Foreign Service

Jet, April 2, 2001

The first Black woman to head the Foreign Service Institute, which trains America's foreign service officers, recently was named director general of the U.S. Foreign Service.

In her new position, veteran diplomat Ruth Davis will oversee the thousands of American personnel who serve overseas in diplomatic functions. The promotion is considered a distinctive breakthrough for minorities.

Secretary of State Colin Powell had promised that he would open the doors of opportunity for minorities and women, and he heartily approved of Davis' selection to the prestigious post by President Bush.

A career member of the Foreign Service since 1969, the former envoy has held a variety of diplomatic posts. Davis previously served as principal deputy assistant secretary for consular affairs and was ambassador to the Republic of Benin from 1992 to 1995.

She is credited with playing a significant role in the organization of the 1992 Barcelona Olympic Games and in Atlanta's successful bid for the 1996 Games.

Born in Phoenix, Davis, who is single, received a bachelor's degree magna cum laude in sociology from Spelman College. She earned a master's degree in social work from the University of California at Berkeley.

Ambassador Davis' parents, Mr. and Mrs. Anderson Davis, are retired in Atlanta, and her only sister, Dr. Eugenia Davis Clements, is a physician living with her family in Los Angeles.