Michael Sfraga Approved as First-Ever U.S. Ambassador at Large for Arctic Affairs
The State Department established this office while legislation stalls to codify this position.
The U.S. Senate today held a recorded vote to confirm one individual nominated by President Joe Biden to serve in the executive branch of government - specifically in the U.S. Department of State led by Secretary Antony Blinken since January 2021.
In a 55-36 vote, Michael Sfraga was confirmed as U.S. Ambassador at Large for Arctic Affairs. He will become the inaugural individual to hold this position, which was created by President Joe Biden while legislation is currently pending to codify the position officially.
Sfraga was nominated to this position by Biden in February 2023. Since September 2021, he has served as Chair of the 7-member U.S. Arctic Research Commission.
Sfraga was the founding director of the Polar Institute and currently serves as its Chair and Distinguished Fellow. From 2015 to 2019, he also was the distinguished Co-lead Scholar for the U.S. Department of State’s inaugural Fulbright Arctic Initiative.