Kathy Giles-Diaz Assumes Duties as U.S. Consul General in Kolkata

August 24 :
U.S. Consul General in Kolkata Kathy Giles-Diaz officially took over the position on August 21, 2024. After Melinda Pavek's departure on August 18, 2024, she takes over as Consul General. Sikkim, West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand, and the seven northeastern states of India are all part of the Kolkata Consular District, which Giles-Diaz will be responsible for strengthening U.S.-India relations and leading U.S. diplomatic initiatives.

It is a tremendous privilege to serve as the US ambassador to East and Northeast India. She expressed her eagerness to visit with residents of all eleven states that make up the Kolkata Consular District and to continue strengthening the already robust U.S.-Indian collaboration.

The new position benefits from Giles-Extensive Diaz's background. She was the public affairs advisor at the United States Mission to NATO in Brussels, Belgium, before her employment in Kolkata. Among her many illustrious posts within the State Department are those of Public Affairs Officer at the U.S. Embassy in Riga, Latvia, and Director of the International Media Office. She also has experience working in San Salvador, Tokyo, and the nation's capital.

Giles-Diaz covered major beats for television, including the White House and the State Department, before joining the State Department. In her role, she oversaw an organization that facilitated exchanges of students from other countries. After graduating from Wellesley College with a BA in Biology and Japanese Studies, she continued her education at Indiana University, where she earned an MA in Public Administration with a concentration in Environmental Science.