By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora
MANILA – United States President Donald Trump has named Lee Lipton, the Interim Permanent Representative to the US Mission to the Organization of American States, as the next US Ambassador to the Philippines.
The White House, in an announcement on Oct. 8, said the nomination has been formally sent to the US Senate.
In his current role, Lipton manages interagency coordination to advance US foreign policy priorities in the Western Hemisphere.
According to his US Department of State profile, he also supports US engagement on a range of regional challenges, including “efforts to counter malign influence—particularly from the Chinese Communist Party (CCP)—within the Inter-American System.”
Lipton, who hails from Florida, brings over 25 years of private sector experience to his diplomatic role, offering a strong business-to-business perspective to US engagement at the Organization of American States.
Before entering public service, the US Department of State said he had funded and led a successful apparel business in New York City.
He oversaw the design, manufacturing, marketing, and distribution of licensed collections for globally recognized brands such as Calvin Klein, St. John Knits, and Guess.
After selling his company to a publicly traded firm, he transitioned into the hospitality industry, owning several oceanfront restaurants.
His landmark restaurants remain among the highest-volume establishments in Palm Beach County, Florida.
He holds a bachelor’s degree from Bryant University. He and his wife of 45 years have two sons.
Lipton will succeed US Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson, who officially assumed office in the country on July 22, 2022. (PNA)
