Former Concord resident formally nominated for Mexico ambassadorship

 
WASHINGTON -- President Barack Obama formally nominated a former Contra Costa County resident Wednesday to become the next U.S. ambassador to Mexico.

Earl Anthony "Tony" Wayne, 60, who grew up in Concord and has extensive experience as a career diplomat, must still be confirmed by the U.S. Senate. The White House submitted his name last month to the Mexican foreign ministry for a routine vetting process.

Wayne graduated from UC Berkeley in 1972 and has worked for the State Department for decades. He now serves as deputy ambassador to Afghanistan and was ambassador to Argentina during the Bush administration.

His nomination comes at a critical time for relations between the United States and its southern neighbor, especially over the drug war that is ravaging the border states of northern Mexico.

The previous ambassador, Carlos Pascual, who resigned in March, was sharply critical of the Mexican government. President Felipe Calderon was angered by Pascual's remarks that panned the performance of the Mexican armed forces in their years-long war on drug cartels.

In addition to Wayne, Obama on Wednesday also appointed Arnold A. Chacon as ambassador to Guatemala, Christopher Merrill as a member of the National Council on the Humanities, and Rebecca R. Wodder as assistant secretary for Fish and Wildlife.

The President also announced his intent to appoint Giselle Fernandez to the Board of Trustees of the John F. Kennedy Center for the preference art.

"Our nation will be greatly served by the talent and expertise these individuals bring to their new roles," the president said in a statement. "I am grateful they have agreed to serve in this administration, and I look forward to working with them in the months and years ahead."