Eric T. Schultz

Schultz graduated with honors from Macalester College in St. Paul, Minnesota, in 1982, where he wrote a senior thesis titled “Ethno-nationalism: Threat and Promise.” He later earned a Master of Arts in International Studies from the University of Denver. He is proficient in French, Russian, and Ukrainian.^[2][3]

Schultz has served in multiple key diplomatic roles:^[2][4]

• Ambassador to Zambia (2014–2017): Schultz was appointed Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Zambia, presenting his credentials on December 12, 2014, and serving until November 20, 2017.

• Deputy Chief of Mission, Kyiv, Ukraine (2010–2013): He was the second-in-command at the U.S. Embassy in Ukraine during a critical period in Ukraine–United States relations.

• Counselor for Economic Affairs, Moscow, Russia (2007–2009): Schultz managed economic relations at the U.S. Embassy in Russia.

• Deputy Chief of Mission, Harare, Zimbabwe (2004–2007): He was responsible for embassy operations and bilateral relations with Zimbabwe.

• Deputy Director, Office of European Security and Political Affairs (2002–2004): Schultz oversaw U.S. relations with NATO and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE).

• Deputy Chief of Mission, Ashgabat, Turkmenistan (2000–2002): He also served as Chargé d’Affaires before and after the September 11 attacks.

• Deputy Director for Ukrainian, Moldovan, and Belarusian Affairs (1998–2000): Schultz managed U.S. policy toward these countries at the State Department.

• Political Officer, Tbilisi, Georgia (1996–1998): He worked on political affairs at the Embassy of the United States, Tbilisi.

Other earlier assignments include roles in Martinique, Paris, and Madagascar.

During his tenure as United States Ambassador to Zambia (2014–2017), Eric T. Schultz focused on several key areas:

• Trade and Investment: Schultz prioritized expanding opportunities for U.S. companies in Zambia, aiming to increase trade and investment as the country moved toward middle-income status. He emphasized the role of American businesses in setting standards for honest, non-corrupt practices and creating local jobs.^[5][6]

• Democratic Governance and Human Rights: Schultz advocated for Zambia to uphold its democratic traditions and human rights standards, encouraged open dialogue among political parties, media, and civil society, and supported the development of new generations of leaders.^[5] He also commended Zambia for maintaining its status as a beacon of peace and democracy in Africa, and stressed the significance of a free press.^[7]

• Health and Disease Prevention: Under Schultz’s leadership, the U.S. continued its substantial support for Zambia’s health sector, particularly through the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). By 2013, U.S. assistance had contributed about $2.25 billion to Zambia’s fight against HIV/AIDS, helping to save hundreds of thousands of lives.^[5]

• Environmental and Wildlife Conservation: Schultz was vocal about the need to protect Zambia’s wildlife, especially endangered species like rhinos and elephants. He highlighted U.S. government support for conservation efforts, such as white rhino monitoring through USAID and partnerships with the African Wildlife Foundation, and promoted the idea that wildlife is a renewable resource vital to Zambia’s future prosperity and tourism industry.^[8][9]

• Infrastructure and Water Access: Schultz oversaw the implementation of the Millennium Challenge Corporation Compact with Zambia, which focused on improving access to clean water and sanitation in Lusaka. He stressed the importance of Zambia maintaining democratic and governance standards as part of this partnership.^[5]

• Regional Economic Integration: As the U.S. Special Representative to the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), Schultz worked to promote intra-African trade, remove trade barriers, and support regional economic growth, which could also benefit American companies.^[5]

Schultz has received several Department of State awards, including five individual Superior Honor Awards and three individual Meritorious Honor Awards.^[2]