United States President Donald Trump has nominated Lee Lipton as the new US ambassador to the Philippines.
Lipton’s nomination was sent to the US Senate for confirmation, the White House said yesterday.
‘Lee Lipton, of Florida, to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Republic of the Philippines,’ according to the announcement.
Lipton, the first non-career American diplomat to be appointed to Manila, is reportedly Trump’s golf buddy.
Once confirmed, Lipton will succeed Ambassador MaryKay Carlson, who began her term on July 22, 2022.
Lipton currently serves as Interim Permanent Representative to the US Mission to the Organization of American States (OAS).
According to his US Department of State profile, Lipton manages staff operations, financial resources and interagency coordination at the OAS to advance US foreign policy priorities in the western hemisphere.
In this role, Lipton supports US engagement on a range of regional challenges, including the deteriorating security situation in Haiti and efforts to counter malign influence – particularly from the Chinese Communist Party – within the Inter-American system.
Before joining the government, Lipton funded and led a successful apparel business in New York City.
He oversaw the design, manufacturing, marketing and distribution of licensed collections for globally recognized brands, such as Calvin Klein, St. John Knits and Guess.
After selling his company to a publicly traded firm, he transitioned into the hospitality industry, owning several oceanfront restaurants.
His landmark restaurants remain among the highest-volume establishments in Palm Beach County, Florida.
Lipton holds a bachelor’s degree from Bryant University.
He and his wife of 45 years have two sons.