15 Facts About Kathleen Stephens

Kathleen Stephens was the United States ambassador to South Korea from 2008 to 2011.

Kathleen Stephens served as the United States' charge d'affaires to India from March to December 2014.

Kathleen Stephens currently leads the Korea Economic Institute of America as president and CEO.

Early in her career, Kathleen Stephens served at US missions in Trinidad and Tobago and in the People's Republic of China.

Kathleen Stephens assumed her duties as Deputy Assistant Secretary for European and Eurasian Affairs on December 5,2003, during which her primary responsibility was policy oversight and management of relations with the countries of South-Central Europe.

Kathleen Stephens had particular responsibility for the management of US relations with Japan and Korea.

Kathleen Stephens speaks several foreign languages including Korean, Serbo-Croatian, and Chinese.

Kathleen Stephens was nominated to be US Ambassador to the Republic of Korea in 2008.

On October 8,2008, Kathleen Stephens presented her credentials to President Lee Myung-bak of South Korea.

The Chosun Ilbo reported that Kathleen Stephens spoke to Lee in fluent Korean during parts of their meeting and said she would strengthen ties between the two countries.

On October 9,2008, Kathleen Stephens visited Yesan Middle School where she had taught as a Peace Corps volunteer 33 years before.

Kathleen Stephens has been honored by the US Government and numerous private organizations.

Kathleen Stephens's awards include the Presidential Meritorious Service Award, the Sejong Cultural Award, the Korea-America Friendship Association Award, and the Kevin O'Donnell Distinguished Friends of Korea Award.

Kathleen Stephens is a trustee at The Asia Foundation, on the boards of the Korea Society and Pacific Century Institute, and a member of the American Academy of Diplomacy.

Kathleen Stephens is a fluent speaker of Korean and Serbo-Croatian, and speaks Cantonese and Mandarin with limited competence.