# Kevin Joseph McGuire

Kevin Joseph McGuire (born January 28, 1943) is an American career foreign service officer and public servant whom served as the United States Ambassador to Namibia from 2001 to 2004.

## Youth and personal life

He was born on January 28, 1943, in Jackson Heights, New York City. His father worked as an employee of the Australian Consulate in New York City before struggling with a "drinking problem" and later working as a dock worker, eventually being separated from the family. His mother, whose maiden name was Kelly, was a New York City school teacher. His paternal grandfather worked as a government worker, while his maternal grandparents immigrated to the United States from Western Ireland. His maternal grandfather died "young." His mother, a political independent, was initially opposed to the teachers' union but eventually became a proponent, typically supporting the Democratic Party. He and his family are Catholic. Though he was not of voting age during the 1960 United States Presidential Election, McGuire had a positive view of John F. Kennedy and a negative view of Richard Nixon, calling him "not an endearing candidate". McGuire got his first job in 1957 at the age of 14 as a shipping clerk for a lipstick factory. He is of Irish heritage and is married to Kay Cuddy McGuire, with whom he has two children.

## Education

He earned a B.A in History from College of the Holy Cross in 1964, an M.A in History from Indiana University in 1966, an M.P.A (Master of Public Administration) from Harvard University in 1977, and a diploma in Strategic Studies from National War College in 1983.

## Career

McGuire joined the Foreign Service in 1966. His first position was as the Third Secretary at the United States Embassy in Canberra, Australia from 1966 to 1967. From 1967 to 1969, he served as Vice-Consul at the United States Consulate in Adelaide, Australia. From 1969 to 1970, he served as a Recruitment officer in the Bureau of Personnel. From 1970 to 1971, he served as a Watch Officer within the United States Department of Operations Center. From 1971 to 1973, he was a Special Assistant at the Bureau of Public Affairs. From 1973 to 1976, he was an Economic Officer at the United States Embassy in Athens, Greece. From 1977 to 1980, he was Chief of Economic Section at the United States Embassy in Dublin, Ireland. From 1980 to 1982, he was Deputy Chief of Mission at the United States Embassy in Libreville, Gabon. From 1983 to 1985, he served as Deputy Office Director within the International Energy Agency (Energy Consumer Country Affairs). From 1985 to 1987, he served in the Bureau of Economic and Business Affairs. From 1987 to 1990, he served as Minister-Counselor for Economic Affairs at the United States Embassy in Seoul, South Korea. From 1990 to 1994, he served as a Minister-Counselor for Economic Affairs at the United States Embassy in Rome, Italy. From 1994 to 1997, he was Director of Economic, Social, and Human Rights Affairs within the Bureau of International Organization Affairs. From 1997 to 1999, he was a Diplomat in Residence at Howard University. From 1999 to 2001, he served as Director of Senior Assignments within the Bureau of Human Resources.
On October 1, 2001, President George W. Bush appointed McGuire to the position of United States Ambassador to Namibia. He was confirmed by the Senate and he presented his credentials on November 21, 2001. He succeeded Jeffrey A. Bader, whom had been serving since 1999. McGuire remained in this position until July 16, 2004, at which time he was succeeded by Joyce A. Barr.
Following this and since 2006, McGuire has been serving as a Senior Inspector for the United States Department of State.
He was included in a list of former national security leaders whom endorsed Kamala Harris in the 2024 United States Presidential Election.