Johnnie Carson

Why He Matters

After devoting nearly four decades to Africa and diplomacy, Carson has worked his way into a job he called "the dream of a lifetime." As assistant secretary for the Bureau of African Affairs, he is responsible for U.S. policy in all of sub-Saharan Africa, a region known for both remarkable economic and democratic gains as well as deep turmoil and poverty.

In policy circles, Carson, who's been U.S. ambassador to three African countries and a national intelligence officer for the region, is described as a "gentleman" and "strong leader." The career foreign service officer faces a daunting challenge, however, with the inheritance of a bureau facing deep difficulties, according to an internal State Department report. Issued in August 2009 by State's Office of the Inspector General, the report criticizes the Africa bureau for policy planning that is "largely short term and reactive rather than strategic and broad-based" and a public-diplomacy program best classified as "failed." The report, which was researched primarily before Carson's reign, also cites "inadequate staffing, declining morale," and "lack of qualified candidates."

Read more