Ambassador Robert A. Riley, Retired

Last Name: Riley

First Name: Robert

Middle Name: Annan

Suffix: III

Nickname: Bob

Medals and Honors: Superior Honor Award (3)

ACNSL Offices and Committees: INDO-PACIFIC

Rank: Minister-Counselor

Service/Department: Senior Foreign Service, Department of State

Last or Significant Assignment: U.S. Ambassador to the Federated States of Micronesia

Areas of Experience: Asia, Pacific Nations, Europe, Africa

Articles, Books and Publications:

Robert “Bob” Annan Riley III, a career member of the Senior Foreign Service, class of Minister-Counselor, served as Ambassador-Designate to the Federated States of Micronesia. He previously served as Management Counselor, U.S. Embassy Jakarta, Indonesia. With 35 years of experience in management positions, Mr. Riley is recognized as an effective negotiator and team leader who has successfully coordinated a broad range of mission-wide programs. His strong mentoring skills and background as a former Peace Corps volunteer suit him well for Micronesia, which has a strong Peace Corps presence. As Management Counselor in Manila, Mr. Riley extensively supported the mission in Micronesia, background that will serve him well as Chief of Mission there.

Previously, he served as Management Counselor at U.S. Embassy Manila, Philippines (2009-2013), U.S. Embassy Hanoi, Vietnam (2007-2009), and U.S. Embassy Islamabad, Pakistan (2006-2007). Before that, Mr. Riley served as Senior Financial Management Officer, U.S. Embassy Paris, France (2002-2006) during which he served on a detail appointment to U.S. Embassy Baghdad, Iraq (2005-2006). He also served as Financial Management Officer at U.S. Embassy Madrid, Spain (1998-2002), U.S. Embassy Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire (1995-1998), and U.S. Embassy Lilongwe, Malawi (1993-1995). Before joining the Foreign Service, he worked as Regional Administrator for West Africa, for Plan International, Dakar, Senegal (1992-1993). Earlier in his career, he served in the Peace Corps, serving as Chief Administrative Officer, Africa Region, Washington, D.C. (1988-1992), Administrative Officer in Mali (1986-1988) and Gabon (1983-1986), Volunteer Leader/Logistics Coordinator, Gabon (1981-1983), and Volunteer, Gabon (1979-1981).

Mr. Riley earned a B.A. from Yale University in 1979 and has received numerous Department performance awards. He speaks French and Spanish. He was named a Fellow of the American College of National Security Leaders in 2024.