Donald Tapia
American businessman and diplomat (born 1938)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Donald Ray Tapia (born January 12, 1938) is an American businessman who served as the United States Ambassador to Jamaica from 2019 until 2021.[1][2]
Donald Tapia | |
|---|---|
| |
| United States Ambassador to Jamaica | |
| In office September 11, 2019 – January 20, 2021 | |
| President | Donald Trump |
| Preceded by | Luis G. Moreno |
| Succeeded by | N. Nick Perry |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Donald Ray Tapia January 12, 1938 |
| Party | Republican |
| Children | 2 |
| Education | Saint Leo University (BA, MBA) |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  United States |
| Branch/service |  United States Air Force |
| Years of service | 1955–1959 |
Early life
Tapia was born on January 12, 1938, in Detroit, Michigan. He was raised in poverty primarily by his mother after his father left the family.[3] After graduating from high school, Tapia joined the United States Air Forces and served from 1955 to 1959.
Career
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Political Campaign
Tapia ran as an Independent for Mohave County Supervisor in 1980, while a resident of Lake Havasu City, Arizona. He lost in the general election to incumbent Republican supervisor Jerry Holt by a wide margin.
Business career and philanthropy
Tapia served as chairman and CEO of the Essco Group Management, an electrical production company, for over 30 years.[4] Tapia also served on the board of directors for the Sun Angel Foundation and Endowment at Arizona State University, the Tau Kappa Epsilon Educational Foundation the Board of Indianapolis, and as chairman of board and trustee at Saint Leo University.[5]
U.S. Ambassador to Jamaica
U.S. President Donald Trump nominated Tapia to serve as United States Ambassador to Jamaica, succeeding Luis Moreno.[6]