John A. Ritchie
Independent Consultant
Liason for the State Department to Congress on Immigration
issues (2008); Former Coordinator, U.S.-Mexico Border Affairs and
US Consul General, Monterrey, Mexico, 2001–2004
Key Achievements
• Co-negotiated end to Mexico’s Rio Grande River water debt to the United States
• Streamlined permitting process for North American border infrastructure projects
• Cited for Outstanding Leadership in directing diplomatic operations overseas
• Coordinated first-ever multi-agency counter-terrorism assistance program abroad
• Guided trade/labor relations in NAFTA and MERCOSUR countries
• Brokered settlements for investment and labor disputes
• Promoted trade, migration, counter-terrorism, and law enforcement policies
• Fostered operationally relevant contract research projects for Department of State
• Conducted research on foreign policy and problems of doing business abroad
• Spoke publicly on trade, labor, border, immigration, and foreign policy issues
Professional Experience U.S. Department of State 1976-2006
• Coordinator, U.S.-Mexico Border Affairs, Washington, D.C., 2004-2006 -
Authorized construction of bridges and land border crossings; brokered solutions for shared water resources disputes (Rio Grande and Colorado rivers); and facilitated bilateral environment, health, and education cooperation. Guided federal, state, and municipal authorities on border policy. Consulted by Congress, state legislatures, governors, and mayors as well as private firms and interest groups. Collaborated closely with counterpart Mexican officials. Traveled frequently to the border region to co-chair bilateral meetings, consult with project promoters, and visit projects. Earned Superior Honor Awards from the Department of State for negotiating end to water debt dispute and improving management of border affairs.
• Consul General, Monterrey, 2001–2004 - (Mexico’s industrial and education
center located on principal land routes to the United States, over which passes
the majority of $292 billion in annual bilateral trade). Managed a staff of 140,
representing eight U.S. Government agencies covering an area larger than Texas in the fields of trade, migration (60 % of all H2 temporary work visas issued), and law enforcement. Oversaw a multi-million dollar budget and a $2 million construction project. Hosted visits by the President, former Presidents, cabinet members, governors, mayors and senior business executives. Interviewed frequently by print and electronic media. Recognized for Outstanding Leadership by the Department of State, and awarded by the Departments of State and Commerce for promoting $45 million in exports.
• Counselor of Embassy for Labor Affairs, Mexico, 1996-2001 -- Implemented
provisions of the North American Agreement on Labor Cooperation in interaction with labor officials, union leaders, lawyers, executives, legislators, academics, international organizations, interest groups, and the press. Counseled U.S. firms on doing business in Mexico and on resolving disputes. Advised the U.S. Secretary of Labor and hosted her official visit to Mexico. Received award for Excellence in Labor Diplomacy from the Secretaries of State and Labor.
• Counselor of Embassy for Political/Economic Affairs, Montevideo, 1993-1996 --promoted free trade agreements and international peacekeeping operations
• Chief, Internal Political Affairs, U.S. Embassy Madrid, 1989-1993 – coordinated counter-terrorism assistance program for Olympics and World’s Fair
• Chief, External Political Affairs, U.S. Embassy Brasilia, 1986-1989 – monitored developments and sales in the Brazilian arms industry
• Political/Intelligence Liaison Officer, Cuban Affair, 1983-1986 – tracked Cuban intervention in Africa and Central America, and spoke extensively at public fora—received two Superior Honor Awards
• Deputy Consul General, Krakow, Poland, 1981-1983 – advocated democracy through the “Solidarity” labor movement—received Superior Honor Award
• Political Officer, U.S. Embassy Lima, 1978-1980 – participated in negotiating end to an airline highjacking involving Cuban refugees
• Planning Officer, Western Hemisphere Affairs, 1976-1978 – served on Presidential transition team and selected to speak on Panama Canal treaty
• Adjunct Professor, Political Science, Southern Methodist University, 1973-75
• Assistant Professor, Political Science, University of Central Oklahoma, 1969-73
• Instructor, Political Science, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, 1969 Education: Ph.D., Political Science, Southern Illinois University M.S. and B.S., Political Science, University of Wisconsin
