Kurt Volker

Who is Kurt Volker?

Kurt Volker is the former United States Permanent Representative to NATO, having served in that position from July 2, 2008 to May 15, 2009.

Volker graduated from Temple University with a B.A. in International Affairs in 1984. Volker also holds an MA in International Relations from The George Washington University's Elliott School of International Affairs. Volker began his career in foreign affairs as an analyst at the Central Intelligence Agency in 1986.

In 1988, Volker joined the United States Department of State as a Foreign Service Officer in the United States Foreign Service. While in the Foreign Service, Volker served as a legislative fellow on the staff of Senator John McCain from 1997 to 1998. In 1998, Volker became first secretary of the US mission to NATO, and in 1999 he became Deputy Director of NATO Secretary-General George Robertson's private office, serving in that position until 2001.

Volker then became acting director for European and Eurasian Affairs for the National Security Council, in that capacity he was in charge of US preparations for 2004 Istanbul summit of NATO members and the 2002 Prague summit.

In July 2005, Volker became the Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs, serving in that position until he was appointed United States Permanent Representative to NATO in July 2008 by President George W. Bush.