A significant shift in American diplomacy toward Haiti is underway.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced on Friday, May 30, 2025, that Ambassador Henry Wooster has been appointed as the new Chargé d’Affaires at the U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince, replacing outgoing Ambassador Dennis B. Hankins.
Wooster is expected to assume his new role on June 12.
“I am pleased to announce that Ambassador Henry Wooster will serve as Chargé d’affaires at the U.S. Embassy in Haiti,” Secretary Rubio posted on X, formerly known as Twitter. “Ambassador Wooster has a proven record of building bridges and identifying creative solutions. Given his experience in Washington and his leadership abroad, I am confident he is the right person to lead this mission at such a critical time,” added the Secretary of State, who also praised Wooster’s distinguished diplomatic career.
A career diplomat, Wooster most recently served as Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary in the Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs. He brings extensive experience in conflict and post-conflict zones.
From 2020 to 2023, he served as U.S. Ambassador to Jordan and previously oversaw regional portfolios covering the Maghreb, Iran, and Central Asia. His foreign assignments also include postings in France, Turkey, Russia, Iraq, and at the U.S. Mission to NATO in Brussels.
Before joining the diplomatic service, Wooster served in the U.S. military. He holds a master’s degree from Yale University and a bachelor’s degree from Amherst College, according to his official biography.
According to the official statement released on May 30, Wooster will be responsible for coordinating U.S. policy toward Haiti through a whole-of-government approach. He will also work closely with international partners, particularly those supporting Haitian security forces.
Secretary Rubio emphasized that Wooster’s “strong experience in Washington and in the field makes him the ideal person to lead this mission at a critical moment.”
Rubio also extended his gratitude to outgoing Ambassador Dennis Hankins for his years of service and leadership, wishing him well in his retirement.
Wooster’s appointment comes just as Albert Ramdin takes office as the new Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS). In his inaugural address, Ramdin announced that addressing the crisis in Haiti would be his top priority.
Secretary Rubio has recently voiced criticism of the OAS, expressing doubts about the organization’s capacity to effectively address the Haitian crisis.
Sources in Washington have also told CTN that discussions are underway regarding potential changes within Haiti’s current governmental structure.
