The State Department has established a new Office of the U.S. Coordinator for the Arctic Region and appointed career U.S. diplomat Jim DeHart to lead the office as the U.S. Coordinator for the Arctic Region.
In his newly-established position, DeHart will work closely with relevant Departmental entities and others in the U.S. Government and beyond to develop, integrate, coordinate, and implement the Department’s strategic approach in the Arctic and on all Arctic-related issues. He will represent the United States and work closely with United States’ Arctic partners to leverage support for U.S. policies and priorities on safety and security, sustainable economic growth, and strengthening cooperation among Arctic States.
DeHart was previously posted to Oslo Norway, where he served as Chargé d’Affaires and strengthened relations and increased cooperation between the United States and Norway. While in Norway, he opened new U.S. Embassy chancery in 2017, participated in conferences like Arctic Frontiers and the High North Dialogue, and traveled extensively throughout Norway, including to places in the far north such as Svalbard, Tromsø, and Karasjok.
DeHart, a career member of the Senior Foreign Service, holds the rank of Minister Counselor and brings with him 28 years of significant experience in regional security, civilian-military cooperation, and international negotiations. He most recently served as Senior Advisor for Security Negotiations and Agreements where he led the negotiation of the status of forces, defense cooperation, and burden-sharing agreements worldwide. From 2015–2018, DeHart served as Deputy Chief of Mission in Oslo, Norway, with extended periods as Chargé d’Affaires. A hallmark of his career has been close collaboration with U.S. allies and partners to advance our shared interests and values.
Read more about Jim DeHart in his official biography, found here.