The U.S. Embassy in Yangon has announced that Douglas E. Sonnek will serve as the new Chargé d’affaires ad interim of the U.S. Embassy in Yangon.

Susan Stevenson, the head of mission of the U.S. Embassy in Yangon, will complete her term in mid-January.

The Embassy noted that the chargé d’affaires ad interim is no stranger to Myanmar, having led the Embassy’s Political and Economic Affairs Section from 2011 to 2014—a pivotal period in the country’s history.

Douglas E. Sonnek’s deep understanding of the local context and his long-standing relationships will enable the Embassy to continue its work without interruption. The U.S. Embassy in Yangon encouraged the public to welcome Sonnek to his new leadership role, which continues the United States’ nearly 80-year commitment to the people of Myanmar.